An Outsiders View : Pistons 2023 and Going Forward !

I want to start to say , I am a Celtics fan . But growing up I’ve always had an appreciation to the similar style of team basketball the pistons play and a little brother who follows them . This year , I’ve managed to catch both Celtics and Pistons games . All of them . It’s become this year in particular fascinating to watch. From coaching to GM moves to the current roster constructed . The story is amazing and I can feel the heart of this team more-so than any team in recent history even though this team is full of the most stoic players I’ve ever seen assembled . The juxtaposition of the team makeup and personalities along with a lower than expected record had me curious.

Okay enough with getting you in the feely feels . I see too much doom and gloom in this sub and a lot of horrible takes from I think just bad places mentally . Also some of the posts are complete garbage . So here’s to contributing to the start of next season and hopefully injecting hope into the fans of this team !

I will use projected improvement & actually potential to achieve it in normal standards vs actual output ( including both big games and consistently ) as a metric for ratings for players . The staff rating metrics are using the general consensus of Reddit as I see true fans of the team the best metric of how a franchise is doing objectively as they determine the expectations not the team .

I’m going to break down my thoughts on your organization top to bottom to start .

Owner :

I think there are 3 great owners in the NBA that make or break signing for them . 2-3 that could join that upper group and the rest are just enjoying playing NBA Head Coach 09 . I think gore fits in the last group . I also did not capitalize his name on purpose . My reasoning for his is it’s understandable not go into luxury tax when your team isn’t competitive but signing long term record contracts to a rebuilding team at coach and GM is just silly . I won’t get into sell the team chants in 2023 and the silliest quote from an owner this season only to be beaten by his GM . Birds of feather they say .

Rating – F – –

Troy Weaver :

This is the most controversial personality in the organization. This Reddit in particular objectively is split 60/40 in complete opposite directions . I’ve attached photos with the post . I can wholeheartedly agree with his “LONG-TERM” roster construction and after a very very long discussion over 2 hours with my brother , I also can’t blame him for skipping over Tyrese ( 2x ) . His current roster construction is abhorrent and I will blame him for losing 25% of this years growth . From a GM standpoint constructing a roster to bring a Top draft pick is fine ! But when mixed with a young team who is developing you can’t not surround a generational talent like Cade with some sort of shooting even at league minimum . In fact veterans who have healthy gym habits would have helped foster along the improvement of the teams shooting as a whole ( before I wrote started righting this players like Taj were absent from team ) . You can build a roster to lose even with shooting . It pains me to see Cade not have normal NBA spacing . Lastly why knowing your plans would you sit with fans ?

Again I think if you look at flexibility and finding Font from a pure numbers job . Isn’t isn’t bad for a normal GM year .

The team has the cheapest Top 3 contracts , 1 of the 5 teams with projected Max ( Of those teams has the most and youngest players on roster .

Rating : D+ , bumped up to C- for offseason flexibility and Font , bumped to somewhere between there for a lack of common sense .

Monty Williams :

Zen practitioner Willy has had a rough start to his Detroit coaching life . I don’t think we can objectively judge his 1st season . Being familiar with his system ( we ran it college ) , the team simply doesn’t have the wing shooting or IQ ( yet ) to run his system. Now I don’t want to the idiot crackpot fan to bring up conspiracy theories but I really think he was under orders to lose, with Draft Picks on the line and zero push for players to be added mid season allowing maximum flexibility. Both have great security contract wise and I honestly weaver approached him with this proposition . There is zero logical reasoning for him to bench J. Ivey ( my theory is that he would have been that much of difference maker in the scheme of and to squeeze the dead horse of Hayes who may not be named ) . I am unimpressed with his lack of developmental rotations much less in attempts to win games . He doesn’t have the pieces is only true to a point when it comes to ALOT of his rotations . He should take pride in developing this young core . I did love his shot at officiating though the best bit of coaching except giving Font time .

Rating : F raised to D- for uncharacteristic bemoaning which was and will be warranted for the next year as well , ( Cade won’t start getting calls until Pistons establish themselves as a playoff ( or in ) team ) . I want to give him an F so so bad but honestly he has maybe 10 – 15 games with any semblance of roster together . Back down F+ for bad development and bad habits .

Outlook: It seems like there was a plan to completely tank but with all 3 front office parties working out of sync , development not as strong as expected let’s hope a offseason magically fixes what looks to be a bad start to a long union . I think weaver will provide optimism this offseason , Monty has to prove his mettle and the owner isn’t selling unfortunately. Weaver will be gone after next season if the off season is bad and Monty the year after so I expect both to have sense of urgency come the first day of off season . Get brickley or whoever is going to get the young guys in the gym this off season .
You can win a championship with Duren at the 5 just need spacing .
I predict an off-season targeting multi positional floor spacers and any wing that can shoot but more importantly can create their own shot in the draft which is doable in the Top 5 .

Again I want to note :

Weaver will be fired before Monty if this off-season is bad . He controls the roster means there isn’t waiting and as a fan you should recognize his hot seat to start the season is non blazing on fire and he did not wear flame retardant pants in fact the seat was made leather and was dosed in gasoline as he used the restroom.

Moves will 100% be happening with frequency this offseason . Monty is in his 2nd year but has contract longer than weaver and will be here for at least another 2 seasons . It’s just business , Gore is not a top owner who is going to chop a former COY no matter the record especially considering what the expectations were . Much less pay another one .

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Medical Staff :

SEBASTIEN POIRIER :

Where the fuck to start . Who would have thought hiring someone with a BS from Salem with previous experience as ATC before a 6 year stink job ( 4 as head HAT ) of the BROOKLYN NETS injury crisis would be a bad hire .

This is your senior trainer . Has been since 2022 . Think about that . To put the most ironic twist of fate he specializes in orthopedics 😂. You can’t make this up

Rating : This may be the most disturbing hire in NBA history . Tsai must of highly reccomended him to Gore himself . Please replace immediately for the perseverance of the future of this great league . To give this a grade I give it a Negative A as ( – A )
It realize grades are given on a A-F scale so imagine locgically after Z the next letter is – Z and so on . To properly tell you how bad from a professional standpoint the job is been I created Negative A . You could hire a literal monkey in captivity to objectively do a better job .

I was going to rate the rest of the medicinal staff but I gave up after reading this was the Senior Direction aka Head Physio .

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Players :

Cade Cunningham :

Where to start ? He is in my top 5 favorite hoopers ever . But I’ll try to be objective
– Jamal Crawford , Gerald Green , Rondo , Rasheed ( just in case ) .

I think he is the most slept on young player in NBA History. I remember the fade for Cade thing . Since he has got drafted , he has been forgotten about nationally . The latest tear he has been on , over a season would certainly put him in MVP considerations with a positive record . To put this in perspective, what he is doing with the lack of spacing puts him in genius territory. It’s criminally underrated how good he is already creating from a disadvantage . He’s a perfect leader as his stoicism will promote organic development from the team .

His mid range has been akin to watching Tatum develop Jaylens Midrange . I expect for Cade to fill his body out once he has the touch he likes and has rounded out his game . Objectively he can score at levels and facilitate along with being switchable on defense .

I can go on and on about how exploits perfect defense and is shooting high percentage on high volume . 30 / 9 / 7 is my expectation next season and yes that is lofty but I don’t think people realize the amount of assist this man is missing out on . I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he breaks the 10 .

The amount of fatigue he has put on his body is akin to a RB in the NFL . He’s the pistons whole offense and I can’t help but think the lack of effort compared to earlier in his career on defense is due to fatigue or is his mental makeup ( highly doubt ) being impacted by the lack of attention to detail and locking in as a collective . Again when Thompson is out there he looks so much better on defense . In some reality there is a Pistons team where Thompson shoots 40 from 3 and teams back court basically are getting swallowed on defense .

Rating : A-

Jaden Ivey :

Boy was I wrong about Ivey . I knew he was talented but I was very skeptical about his outside shot in the roster . I thought he would be a Barbosa / Raja Bell Lite at best this season . He had a rough start to the season with inconsistent minutes and being benched for no reason logically from a pure sporting perspective . Through this he has developed a good jump shot which has been a pleasant surprise this season . His athleticism been more substance than flash this year . It’s weird but if he played for my team objectively I’m happy with the player he is today vs what was expected . His defense potential isn’t reached but his pre draft scare was lack of effort on that end. That is not the case . Maybe it’s the Thompson effect but he looks more comfortable off ball and doesn’t get back doored nearly as much as he used to but again when Thompson is out he looks pedestrian at best on defense . If his mid range rounds ( I’m really appreciating the pull ups lately ) out this might be an All-Star backcourt if and only if he can continue to show more and more consistency on defense . I think in a perfect world he is a permanent 6th man award winner next year playing with a MLE wiseman off the bench .

Post Edit : I’m sorry you had to read that , Ivey has shown those to be just flashes with his shooting numbers dropping dramatically to end the season . He really needs to add counters to his game or he is just going to be a Dennis Smith Jr. , objectively and respectfully.

Rating : C+ ( Has shown signs of improvement but was hampered developmental wise this season by pure roster planning and coaching )

Ausar Thompson :

Besides Derrick White ( joking only slightly ) & Giannis . He might be the best defender in the NBA . He has the highest potential besides Jalen on the pistons . He can get to the rim at will , can elevate , was good at finding cutting lanes and is only getting better . He can find empty space naturally. Which leads to the elephant in the room . His shooting . I’m not going into advance analysis, but it leaves a lot to be desired. He has the lift to develop at least something off the dribble but by god if he shot 40% percent from 3 , he would be a 10X all star easy . I project he will improve into the mid 30’s but he is so good defensively. He’s a pretty complete player besides that. He weirdly has good basketball IQ in general but offensively I feel like he has an underdeveloped tweener game . He’s the modern NBA Jeff Green except inverse ironically offensively. I truly believe he is an optimal glue guy he should be is this teams Draymond Green . As a defender he should be getting the calls at end of games as his career progresses as well . Rookies notoriously don’t get many calls .

Rating : A-

Jalen Duren : Imagine hitting on back to back lottery picks . Duren is Leon Powe / Jason Maxiell in Dwight Howard body . He is someone you can predict a double double nightly . It’s funny how the draft works and pre draft analysis can be totally wrong . His ability to switch hasn’t been lived up to but has shown he can do everything besides shoot a 3 you want from your big . The lobs and trailing dunks have been a treat to watch and if this were the 2000’s he would be praised as the next big thing . His lack of shooting can be accounted for considering how dominant in the paint he is . The weird thing he comes up just short defensively, like all the movement is there he just doesn’t finish the play through . The stagnant contest once in good position , the navigation of defenses is already there it’s just like he freezes for a second before processing the information , I think he can fix this even though bigs rarely do .

Rating : B ( B+ for being one of most consistent performers this seasons . )

James Wiseman : Where to start ? He’s incredible in short burst and you feel lucky to have him but like his slow start to the season he is still a work in progress almost a half decade into the league . His value should be seen as a late prime McGee at this point . He is so much more potential than product at this point and his numbers are inflated to say the least . I don’t think the pistons have the luxury of trying to develop him next year sans a breakout couple of games which I wouldn’t put past him to end the season . I don’t think any team would be willing to offer more than the MLE and if you can get him with spare cap and sign Font to a MLE that would be a perfect offseason . His bird rights will be honestly what could keep him around if the Pistons do what is expected and bring in a lot of new top end talent . The only saving grace is that he has the potential to run a really efficient PNR with Cade and give and goes ( which is why I think the gamble was taken in the 1st place before Duren established himself as 10 / 10 guy ) . There is only projection and potential to talk about as his current ability is that of backup C. If Detroit gets the number pick Sarr is basically Wiseman , if he’s on the roster will determine if they draft another big ( I hope they do not )

Rating : C- ( Cannot grade any higher due to his still largely untapped potential )

Simone Fontecchio : The modern NBAs James Posey . Is a perfect fit in the .5 system or 7 seconds , can shoot put the ball on the floor and defend 2-4 nightly . Unfortunately he is due a contract. I think he really would prefer to stay has he is bench player elsewhere and knows the pistons want him and they have the most cap . He is the only other player than Cade who can create outside of 12ft and is a bullish defender . He was a nothing burger player who might be the second best player on the roster. He is the equivalent to T. Prince he is an afterthought for most casuals but is really good in totality, I’m comfortable saying give him long term deal around 15m a year and that’s a robbery . I honestly think if you can resign him and another similar player in FA you guys will be well off with a Top 3 draft pick .

Rating : A+

Isaiah Stewart :

Yup he’s the Pistons Grant Williams. If he was 3 inches taller he most likely be an all star . Instead he is a middle of the road player , I love beef stew and I’ve had hour long talks about the plus and negatives to him. He is at his a core a stretch who can maybe develop into somewhat of a draymond green role if he ever gets comfortable putting the ball on the floor . His vision is already better than average dare I say good . He can at least now space the floor which is oddly satisfying as Celtics fan as he is almost a one for one development line with grant year for year , albeit we both know the ceiling . With him being an expiring contract soon I think he would be best suited as trade piece to acquire a star ( more on that later ) . Defensively he has a taken a step back from the eye test and his contest are more likely than not a direct result of bad coaching of practicing bad habits as neither him or Duren follow through on their contest . As it used to be a strength he is just as valuable as a player like Muscula defensively as he just gives free points to taller players when bigger guards post up and isn’t as quick so I’ve seen a lot of up and unders . A high pace team could see him as steal and offer a late 20s pick or even a 1st . I think one teams Derrick White can always be another teams Derrick White .

Rating : C+

Marcus Sasser :

The player drafted by US and you guys acquired . Ok so a lot to unpack here . There is no way I can give you objective answer on him . Guards take years and years to develop in the NBA . They have to run offenses and recognize patterns and weakness. Most rookies come into the league with a pocket calculator compared to the processing power most NBA guards have . In spot play he has been fine but even Rondo wasn’t Rondo year 1 . He is good on defense but has a weird tendency to make rookie mistakes that will be cleaned up with time . At times I see flashes of brilliance but consistency is key as guard *AHHeM ( Points to a picture of Ivey )

His potential is unknown unless I got to really study him in the gym . I feel bad but there isn’t much to go off he hasn’t had an INSANE game like Ivey , Cade , Duren and his minutes have been consistently inconsistent. Regardless he is at worst a serviceable backup PG as of now who will provide better defense as his body matured after an 82 season shock and healthy recovery ( I do know he takes athletic training seriously as I watched pre draft and draft tape after we drafted him ) .

Rating : C

Quentin Grimes : Incomplete . Long Term Injury Lay-off + Rust and the season coming to a close no way he has a fair chance to make an impression this year . We know he is good on defense and that’s it from previous stops . I don’t think he is truly a 24 from 3PT guy if he is just let his contract expire because that isn’t NBA level at the minimum.

Rating : N/A

Evan Fournier :

Yup still shooting garbage time 3pts and one in the corner enough for you to believe he is still an NBA talent and then his man drops 12 and you realize this sack of shit gets paid to basically be a walking – and is an average joe who is suckling a living as a NBA player . Hey NBA I’m 6’7 with a more impressive beard , can defend multiple positions and drive to just give the ball away on the baseline . If he couldn’t shoot he wouldn’t be in the NBA honestly I’m sick of this guy.

Rating : E and may god have mercy on his soul

Mocha Flynn : At this point I’m questioning my sanity . What I’m guessing you want an objective thought on what he brings to the table . Well at best he is your teams 4th or 5th best guard on NBA team . He’s tall for a PG and can shoot if he had the balls too . Just reminds me of the other Flynn guy. One of you sickos still reading this let me know in the comments which Flynn this is . He is bang average and I already prefer Sassy Sasser to him . Again if he couldn’t shoot he would not be on the roster . Being objective he wouldn’t touch the floor for a prospective playoff team which the Pistons regardless of the rest of the league can do next season.

Rating : D-

Stanley Umude : Had a positive effect on the team before his injuries including be by far away the best player on the floor one of his games with a +20 . He could be a gem and is cheap . We got a very little sample size so I’ll have to skip the ratings .

Rating : N/A ( Seperated from the next bunch from a pure potential standpoint if he is healthy )

I know we have one Buddy fan but I’m not rating him nor the rest of the players the biggest name is Troy Brown but I don’t regard him enough to truly watch tape or grade . Most teams aren’t 12 deep the pistons are 10 deep at best . It’s a disservice to read or spend time as they will likely be gone sooner rather than later .

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Wow you are still reading !
I’m majorly impressed !!!

Time to break down the offseason .
You will notice I’ve have included a bunch of pictures and now it’s time to reference them before providing an objective list of needs for the team .

To fully understand this team you need to understand what the team identity is . The Pistons are being coached by a coach who emphasizes quick decision making when in possession , ability to play in transition and floor spacing . To have quiet kept I fully believe Monty was brought on with full approval of Weaver . Why do I say that . Weavers draft without Monty target players who fit that mold . Killian was Project 0 in this idea the Steve Nash to run the show . Every player has fit the mold since then . As the pistons regressed defensively this year as a whole I can assure you while they have good defense pieces they will focus heavily on I root their offense . Weavers AGM track record supports this claim . Defensive additions would be a plus but again it applies to being talented in addition playing defense.

Important stats to know .
Projected your team will have

$70 Million Cap Space

to work with which in NBA standards is an insane amount . This includes have a less than MLE exception in dead money which happens to league the league ( gone after the next year and at 0 ) . Reminder that the highest paid player does not exceed that amount . Meaning technically you can take on any player in the NBA contract .

7 PLAYERS UNDER Contract.
LOWEST TOP 3 Contracts .

Say what you want about Weaver but he is good at the Cap game .

So you have the space and you have the system let’s see what you have roster wise being objectively.

Cade a player to build around . He fits Monty’s system and is the hardest piece to find honestly . Keeping him is a no brainer .

Thompson is an elite defender already who at worst will be a dynamic slasher . His health issue means no team will give proper value as that is the case he is a no brainer .

There isn’t a single other player than Simone who fits directly into the scheme .

Ivey should have thrived in it but has no dynamic wings who can nail spots ups or create their own shot making defense honest in either halfcourt or transition.

Wiseman and Jalen essentially are the same player with one being better the other any night but Duren being a consistent 10 / 10.

I’m not saying they clear out the rest of the roster but obviously they are on step 2 of roster construction .

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FA Targets :

So this is my favorite part I get rundown why most players won’t sign here or why names make no sense or why they do . I will be going in order of 2023 salary and what I project it would cost if the likelihood is high .

Likelihood is denoted by L .
Fit is denoted by F and takes age , contract amount & system fit into consideration.

James Harden : He isn’t coming to Detroit on the max even though the area is rumored to have impressive gentlemens club. Maybe a max contract but that would be a disaster.

L : 2
F : 0

Tobias Harris : I want to say I hate Tobias Harris the basketball player there isn’t a reason he shouldn’t be an all star . That being said he answers every question the Pistons have . Small Ball C why not , shot creating yup . God I wish I couldn’t recommend him but he isn’t grabbing $30 again . If he is under $20 million I could see him coming back . His age is a bit of issue but he would be ending his contract in the cores primes . Also boban is FA just saying .

L: 6
F: 8

Klay Thompson : He isn’t ending his career in Detroit but honestly if he took a discount would still be a good signing . As a bench player . Unfortunately the system demands high stamina and asking a shooter with his legs going out from him to sign with a play in team is asking for disaster when the medical staff is the way it is . Timeline is a whole different universe much less planet . Positive of signing is that he could lead a culture change and become one of the most beloved players if that’s his career choice . I think draymond is gone and Klay comes back on a very long term team friendly deal .

L: 1
F: 3

Pascal Siakam : I’d buy his mom a house in sky above in Detroit if I were you I’d make a statue on his visit and have African Queens and Kings there to kiss his fit . Alas , he isn’t coming to Detroit but if he does everyone will happily remind me of this and I’d be all for it . He’s the perfect fit and would continue to be a Pen in for All-Star here . He is the perfect player for the 4/5 in Monty’s system . He would absolutely eat off of the roster that is in place much less with more talent . His max means Simone can come in and he might only ask for MLE leaving $20 million for any player including a trade . It would be a dream signing and signal that the Bad Boys are back in town . He will have multiple max offers including playing with possible play in teams .

L: 4
F: ♾️

Gordon Hayward : Hey look a former Celtic . What would I pay to have Hayward it’s nowhere near a max . Does he fit in Detroit , yes he would be a great fit if you an bring in 3-4 other players of his level with the draft pick being included . At this point he provides what Detroit needs . His wife is picky as fuck about where he lives so it’s a guarantee no . I actually would have loved to see it happen other than the fact that once again no injury prone player is going to step foot into Detroit unless they are getting a long term contract .

L: -1
F: 6

Kyle Lowry : Just No

L: 9
F: -2

Demar Derozan : Yup the crip from USC. Perfect fit besides the 3PT but elite shot creation makes up for it . Even older great athlete and stamina for days . I can see him playing for Detroit on a Max . Would it be worth it . Honestly maybe . Depends who the other addition would be after retaining Simone and who they draft . Still will have spacing issues . Moving Ivey to the bench has to be the priority this offseason allows that .

L: 5
F: 9.25

Buddy Hield : Ok another weird bit about me . In 2k21 this guy had one of the craziest cards ever . I used to drop 80 with him on the reg even at the end of the game . Ok besides that he is a more expensive less effective Malik Monk . Yes you need shooting but not at the cost of max slot and surely not for what he will be asking . It’s like saying would you give $20-30 to Kennard with the way roster is constructed . Even my recommendation numbers for him ballooned due to his fit and the 2nd tier guys signing elsewhere .

L: 8
F: 6

D Russ : Ball dominant snitch . Ok ok fair enough he is a pretty good off ball and is good in the PNR . I can see him and Cade eating of the Ghost action at the nail . Wouldn’t give him a max but if his number is again in the twenties as in millions that leaves you with 3 similar players which could really change the roster look.

L: 3
F: 8

Gary Trent Jr : Also a just no he excercised at $18 mil better ways to spend $14 mil ( Simone ) .

L: 3
F: 5

M Fultz :
Killian 2.0+ . So basically $8-14 million on another Ivey . Nope .

L: 1
F: 7

Jonas V. : This was weird to envision . He can hit a trailing 3 on a good day and gives Cade free access to his middys . I. The other hand time line is way off . But then again he isn’t a top tier FA , so the pistons would overpay after day 1 . $20 at least for him . It’s such a quagmire the thought of him . I wouldn’t be mad at the signing but again I think they need long term additions .

L: 4
F: 6

Malik Beasley : This is a money talks signing . He is a great fit . Almost a 1 for 1 for a rotational starter . He is going to get overpaid compared to his last contract . I’d be happy for the pistons , I like Monk a slight bit better but would be a good second choice or even both and Simone would be nice with a MLE which isn’t Wiseman .

L: 6
F : 8

Talen Horton – Tucker :

When you get a failure of Amen / Ausar / Stewart as clone . Maybe he is the G/F version of J. Grant . Highly doubt it though . No real talent besides length as it’s still all potential he is 23 so maybe they take a flyer . Especially if he is taking MLE offers from everyone .

L: 6
F: 4

Grayson Allen :

If fucking hate it but unfortunately makes sense . Secondary ball handler check , spacing check , shot creation check , defense as a plus also a check . I don’t cuss much but when I do it’s the thought of cheering him … ever . If he ask for sub $14 he would be worth it maybe even then some weirdly enough .

L : 8
F : 9

Malik Monk :

Everything I just said about Grayson Allen with the same tenacity as defender when not asked to guard great isolation players , but better on offense a lot better . I get to watch him a lot due to where I live and I can assure you he would make the pistons a much better team . He is pretty much Jalen Green great value . Excellent at getting his own shot , very athletic and has burned when he catches fire which is pretty often . Him and Grayson would fill two very big needs .

L: 8
F: 9.25

Miles Bridges : Depends on the market . The pistons can’t afford to be better than thou with their noses up in the air . I know and I’m here to talk basketball . He was a near max before the incident . Any discount would be amazing . If you are getting 2022 Bridges he would be a perfect fit in this team . It really depends on the owner who I have no faith in either way . Imagine the defense of Cade , Thompson , Bridges , Stew at times that could be ridiculous and allow the C to play Safety essentially.

L: 1-10
F: 10

Kelly Oubre Jr. : Maybe because it’s a contract year . Yeah this man is due a bag . Again one of the types of player sorely missing from the Pistons . I think personally he is too diva for the Pistons but money wise they could over the most and I think he would be looking to cash in .
He has a light bag with shot creation and driving and the ability to switch on defense . If you asked me this any other year I would have laughed .

L: 6-7
F: 10

Spender Dinwiddie : Scoring and a better lead guard backup than is on the roster . With playoff experience . Could be a good add if Ivey is shifted and they have playoff goals ( they better ) next season

L: 3-4
F : 8

Other UFAs I don’t think move the needle and would be pieces brought in once the cap is settled . Interesting enough Bol Bol would be available although both of our teams let him go .

I didn’t include RFA as they can be matched and the highest contract is actually owned by the pistons in Wiseman . I did not include Player Options as there is less than 18 league wide . Christian Wood and OG are the only names you could talk me into coming to Detroit . The rest wouldn’t or aren’t worth mentioning. Lonzo and Ingles are the only Club Options worth mention neither fit 7 seconds anymore .

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So we’ve gotten pretty far together . This next part is pure speculation. Here are some names I want to make very clear are just the best players I think that can be traded for that fit what Monty wants to run .

Jonathan Issac : He is the odd man out in Orlando and would add much needed length to the wings . He also can run the 3-4 allowing Ausar to matchup on a nightly basis . He shows flashes of shot creation and is a passable 3PT shooter . His injury history gives pause but if he does get injured you could resign him on the cheap cheap . Also to compete you’ll have to see Giannis and Tatum in the playoffs to have a fighting chance you need a body to matchup . Ausar can guard Tatum but there is no one the pistons rosters who has the length / quickness / height to effect much less try to guard Giannis . God it’s just the Medical staff is so bad . If Simone is retained and you go SG/SF a weakness this season is now a strength . Oh his value is at a near all time low .

Grant Williams : Straight Up for Beef Stew . Win – Win . Mavericks make Lebron that more nervous and Grant would easily become the teams new mascot and maybe even a legend . Talk about unlocking personalities, will be see Ausar and Cade finally smile . Also he will contest fully instead of 80 percent of the way and randomly catching fire in important games can’t be understated . I don’t know if the numbers match up but find a way . 8th man Grant Williams .

Draymond Green : The beautiful thing is that this could be for Beef Stew straight up and I don’t think GMs would bat an eye . The Warriors get off of his contract and Klay in the same season !!! No brainer from that end they get a guy who will play through anything again is going to get under Lebrons skin somewhat and can shoot . With the coaching he will hit his potential which could be a starter . The pistons get defense , playmaking , and high IQ . They also get a culture setter who will get in everyone’s face except Cade . He will be replacing a non shooter in the lineups if he does join as I can imagine Wiseman would be gone as a result with his cap hold off the books . Then again why even . I think if they want to really push for stable mediocrity this could be a move . Hate it more than I love it but seems to be in wind for a while now .

Payton Pritchard : Would be a way future conditional 1st or a player who fits what the Celtics want ( ?? ) . I think if you can acquire another 1st that’s late round I’d trade it in heartbeat for Peyton . He would be an excellent change of pace guard for the Pistons , Ivey would play alongside home or be moved to condense talent if he joins . He provided another spot on fit in Montys system and in spot starts for the pistons would do quite well as starter if the talent that is to be expected to start the season . He also thrives off bigs similarly to Cade so another reason.

Tyler Hierro : Ivey + what would be my question , would the heat want to give him up if so why not a natural fit next to Cade . Fits on similar timeline and could be his long term running mate . Ivey gives the heat the get up and go it so much desired it traded for Lowry . It’s give real modern rip Hamilton vibes and I have an odd suspicion he would be a cult classic as a piston .

Amen Thompson : Hear me out . It’s pick #3 Zach and Sarr are off the board . The roster is wing and C heavy still . You trade the 3rd for Amen . In the words of TERRY TATE himself the only thing better than having one Thompson is two Thompsons .
The roster flexibility would be insane from a coaching perspective. Both are great in transition both could be all NBA defense for years and let’s be honest would that make the pistons primetime basketball . Brothers lead by one of the best players in the league and a rag tag group of scruffians . I dare say building around a core of Ausar / Cade makes the most sense . If anyone can influence Ausar to take health super serious and reach his max it’s his brother .

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I will most likely do a write up on draft prospects but I will give you what I believe is the pistons Big Board .

1. Zaccharie Risacher

I think he has to be consider the number one prospect in terms of fit . I think depending on a seismic shake up the pistons are one of the few teams who would pass on Sarr and maybe even trade down a spot or two the right situation depending on the lottery . If you watch him and cades film next to each other it’s a perfect fit . While he isn’t polished he has the potential to become a deadly scorer with size . It’s like drafting the inverse Thompson basketball wise and that means Ausar becomes that more a natural fit . A 1-2-3 of that trio could be wicked at its height. Maybe even surpassing boston in terms of talent of talented 1-2 punch .

1. Alexandre Sarr

I don’t think the Pistons will want to live Groundhog Day but unless a prospect kills it in workouts he’s the second best floor – upgrade as a choice . He’s basically Duren pre draft potential defensively with wiseman’s potential shooting . With the body of neither and yet somehow in between . He can put the ball on the floor every once in while like wiseman . The pistons just have to hope he is just at the start of his potential as he basically is just more of the same honestly . Plus side both wiseman if he is retained and Jalen become trade assets at that point .

1. Matas Buzelis

This isn’t my big board it’s the pistons . The amount of prospects who don’t fit the Pistons philosophy that I hear screamed to be drafted are insane . Barring the team signing similar FA’s , I think the pistons would seriously take him over Cody Williams . Spacing is the biggest issue surrounding Cade this addresses this issue while potentially adding a 20-25 a game guy which are hard to find . Size , ball handling and shooting rarely miss . If his floor is Bogdan I’d rush to take him in heartbeat .

1. Cody Williams

With his brother becoming the third wheel in scary young OKC team why not just repeat the process . The younger brothers seem to be better anyways . If you get Williams + with this pick wow just wow . The thing is he is the last talent worth gambling with a Top 5 pick who isn’t a shooter besides the last entry .

1. Ron Holland

   You know how it was hard to pass on Ivey with Cade . It’s the same at SG position as his shot is horrible but by the man can score . At worse he’s so athletic he defense should be natural fit alongside a slower Cade . His upside outweighs his horrible spot up shooting although he would be a luxury pick and could be as low as 10 on the their board if proper spacing isn’t addressed . He’s basically a compact Cody Williams .

I refuse to believe the pistons draft a Top 5 PG who can’t shoot or just in general . Unless FA and Trades are a perceived HR and Ivey is gone . A lot of what if’s .

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Thanks for reading ! What’s your thoughts ? On what’s the pistons should and will do ? Any names no one is mention that make too much sense ? Also if you think I’m absolutely wrong , love to hear why .

Also pardon my grammar and typos !