The Detroit Pistons crushed draft night by selecting Jaden Ivey and trading for the 13th pick, Jalen Duren. The Pistons have since traded for Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks and signed Kevin Knox. These transactions brought the team to 15 players. So, how'd the Pistons do?
The Detroit Pistons Didn't Waste their Cap on a Mediocre Player
The Pistons have a history of wasting cap space on players that underperform. Instead of spending this season, Troy Weaver set the Pistons up for success in next year's free agency.
The only flashy name surrounding the PIstons that I like is Deandre Ayton. Following the acquisition of Duren and Noel, it became clear the Pistons weren't pursuing Ayton.
Miles Bridges and Jalen Brunson were also mentioned frequently in free agency discussions, but the Pistons wisely chose to wait until next year. Brunson, I believe, has been massively overpaid by New York. Bridges' off-the-court issues should be enough to keep him off the Pistons and, hopefully, out of the NBA.
The Pistons Added Players that Fit the Weaver Mold
Ivey, Duren, Noel, and Burks fit what Weaver has been building in Detroit. Noel's physicality and length provide the Pistons with additional depth at the center as Duren starts his NBA development. If Duren is ready this season, Noel will likely fade into the background. I like the addition of a short-term stand-in relieving Duren of any early season pressure.
Burks provides shooting to a team desperate for it. He'll stay in the Pistons rotation as long as he keeps shooting well. He'll play in a second unit with Kilian Hayes, Hamidou Diallo, and Noel or Duren. That unit will need someone to spread the floor. If not Burks, it will be Isaiah Livers.
Kevin Knox is the one outlier here. I think Weaver is following his pattern of signing "busts" on a cheap deal to see if they can revive their careers. Maybe Knox has something to show. Josh Jackson and Marvin Bagley III both turned out great. Then again, Trey Lyles was underwhelming for the Pistons last season.
The Pistons Kept the Right Guys
Bringing Hamidou Diallo and Marvin Bagley III back is a smart move from Weaver. Bagley III has shown he fits with Cunningham well. Furthermore, Bagley works with Isaiah Stewart, too. The Pistons, I believe, will now start Cade, Ivey, Sadiq Bey, Stewart, and Bagley.
I really like Diallo. His athleticism, rebounding, and defense make for an electric off-the-bench contribution. I think the change of pace in the second unit could be entertaining to watch. Hayes is a phenomenal passer. Having him play with this solid defensive unit that I imagine will have lots of fast-break opportunities will be a lot of fun.
Why Are They Still Here?
If you've been following my commentary on the Pistons, you'll see that I don't care for Kelly Olynyk and Cory Joseph. While Olynyk will likely play to add some scoring off the bench, I hope Joseph falls out of the rotation. We need to see what Hayes and Saben Lee can do playing backup point guard. Joseph's playing time takes away from critical developmental opportunities.
My Lineup Projection
Center: Bagley III/Noel/Duren
Power Forward: Stewart/Olynyk
Small Forward: Bey/Diallo/Knox
Shooting Guard: Ivey/Burks/Livers
Point Guard: Cade/Killian/Joseph/ Lee
While I hope Lee would play ahead of Joseph, Dwane Casey's preference for Joseph makes it difficult for me to project that. I know that many will disagree with Duren being in at number three. My opinion on his readiness could change after the summer league, but as of now, I think he'll need to work his way into the rotation. Livers and Burks will compete for minutes off the bench.
Finally, this is a make-or-break season for Hayes. If we see him losing minutes to Joseph this season, the Pistons will likely move on from him. I think this will be a breakout season for him. Coming off the bench and knowing his role from day one will alleviate some pressure. His passing and defense make him a great fit to helm this second unit.
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