The Detroit Pistons made major changes this offseason by firing General Manager Troy Weaver and hiring Trajan Langdon as the new President of Basketball Operations. Langdon quickly got to work, first with the NBA draft, then a coaching change, followed by some trades and additions in free agency. The first few months may become the most significant of Langdon's time in Detroit. Let's grade how he's done so far.
Firing Monty Williams, A
Unfortunately, this hire didn't work out. The Pistons had a historically bad season, finishing 14-68, including an NBA-tying losing streak of 28 consecutive games. Langdon took the time to evaluate whether or not Williams should return this season. Considering that Williams took the job for the money, per his quote in his introductory press conference, and the team's poor performance, Langdon likely made the right choice for both parties.
Hiring J.B. Bickerstaff, B
Bickerstaff comes to Detroit after a strong tenure as the Cleveland Cavaliers coach. While in Cleveland, he transformed a young team with a bad record into a perennial playoff team, posting a 143-103 record over the last three seasons. In Cleveland, his teams played strong defense and had low turnover rates, two things the Pistons desperately needed. If he can elevate the Pistons into the top 10 in both categories, he'll be deserving of an A. The hire is somewhat of a surprise, with many media outlets and fans clamoring for a first-time hire, something the Pistons haven't done in a long time (John Kuester, 2009).
Drafting Ron Holland, C
Holland's selection surprised most. Many predraft mocks had the Pistons selecting Matas Buzellis (who eventually went to Chicago at 11). Alternatively, many mock drafts had Holland much lower, such as in the Ringer's (13th). Holland's upside and defensive instincts make him a good prospect for the Pistons, and his selection makes more sense after seeing the rest of the Pistons' offseason. The team emphasized the upside with this pick, showing a focus on long-term development. The team acquired other players to fill more immediate team needs. However, not every upside player develops into what front offices envision on draft night. If he doesn't, this selection could define Langdon's time in Detroit very much the same way Weaver's selection of Killian Hayes defines his.
Drafting Bobi Klintman, B
Another selection focused on upside, Klintman could develop into a two-way forward for the Pistons. Of course, again, the keyword is upside. The Langdon front office isn't worried about short-term results from his draft selections. Klintman displayed decent shooting in the NBL and has the athletic tools to develop into a rotation player in the NBA.
Adding Tim Hardaway Jr, A
Hardaway Jr. gives the Pistons a shooter, and he came with three 2nd round picks. He is an efficient outside shooter (36% for his career), but he is also a volume shooter (7.6 attempts per game last season). The volume and efficiency combine for something the Pistons haven't had: spacing. Teams will be forced to defend him on the perimeter, giving Pistons star Cade Cunningham room to operate. With Hardaway JR and others finding the open spaces on the floor, the days of doubling Cunningham should come to an end. Alternatively, Cunningham will make opponents pay by dishing the ball and piling up the assists.
Signing Tobias Harris, A
Bringing Harris in on a two-year, $52 million contract may seem steep to some, but the value he brings should be well worth it. Still, the length of the contract is more important than the dollar amount. The Pistons have frequently given players longer term than is healthy for the franchise. Harris brings in consistency and veteran leadership. While Harris struggled in the playoffs this season, he has typically been a consistent presence on a playoff team. In his last five seasons, he has averaged 19.6, 19.5. 17.2, 14.7, and 17.2 points per game in the regular season and 15.8, 21.8, 16.9, 15.3, and 9.0. This postseason is clearly the outlier. The other good news for Pistons fans is that for Harris to struggle in the playoffs, the team would need to make it.
Re-Signing Simone Fontecchio, A+
Fontecchio returns to the Pistons on a 2-year, $16 million deal. This contract is far less than most expected. Fontecchio's role going forward could be as either a reserve or a starter, but either way, the team got a bargain by bringing back a player with skills currently placed at a premium. His strong 3PT shooting and 6'8" frame give the Pistons more shooting to space the floor for slashers like Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson.
Signing Malik Beasley, B-
While coming as the least controversial addition, the Pistons add another 3-point shooter in Beasley. He averaged 11.3 ppg on 41% 3PT shooting. This addition indicates that Holland's path to playing time is not an easy one. While Beasley will provide floor spacing, the downside is that he will likely take minutes from one of the team's younger players (Thompson or Holland).
Detroit Pistons Possible Rotation
Of course, this is simply a projection. Fontecchio, Stewart, and Thompson could each make a case to start. However, the emphasis on shooting and adding veterans would naturally mean that some of them will start and come off the bench. This current lineup projection gives the first and second units a balance of veterans, shooting, and youth. Of Harris, Hardaway Jr., Fontecchio, and Beasley, placing two players with each unit makes sense.
Although this is not likely a playoff team, they will be much improved from last season.
Starters | Rotation Players | Reserves | Two-Way Players | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Center | Jalen Duren | Isaiah Stewart | ||
Power Forward | Tobias Harris | Simone Fontecchio | Bobi Klintman | |
Small Forward | Tim Hardaway Jr. | Ausar Thompson | Ron Holland | |
Shooting Guard | Jaden Ivey | Malik Beasley | Wendell Moore Jr. | |
Point Guard | Cade Cunningham | Marcus Sasser | Daniss Jenkins |
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