The Detroit Pistons have exceeded even their own expectations and are now realistically thinking about making the playoffs. As a result, the Pistons may adjust strategy as the trade deadline approaches. What do the Pistons need to give themselves a chance at making a postseason run?
Detroit made some interesting moves this offseason, adding veterans in an effort to be more competitive. The majority of the Pistons’ moves were made with the future in mind, like Tim Hardaway Jr . and Malik Beasley . More importantly, the Pistons were diligent in how they spent their money, leaving themselves with over $14 million in cap space.
At the beginning of the season, there was sentiment around the NBA that the Pistons would be willing to take on bad contracts to accumulate draft picks. The Pistons are also $44 million below the tax line and have one open roster spot.
Thinking Playoffs, Detroit Adjusting Strategy As Trade Deadline Approaching, What Do Pistons Need?
However, Detroit is playing well and is in a pretty solid position to snap its long playoff drought. The Pistons enter Monday night’s contest against New York with a 20-19 record, having won 11 of their last 15. The Pistons sit eighth in the East, though eight teams are within five games of each other. They have not reached the 30-win mark or made the playoffs since 2018-19.
As a result, ESPN’s Brian Windhost reported recently that the Pistons may be rethinking that strategy.
“With their team achieving a significant turnaround under new coach J.B. Bickerstaff , the Pistons may not be so loose with that space after all. Team sources say the Pistons are adjusting their thinking and may be more judicious with their valuable cap space as they consider their own roster upgrades and flexibility for next season:
Despite Windhorst’s proclamation, will the Pistons really change their thinking? Yes, the Pistons are having a strong first half of the season, and Cade Cuningham has developed into a star.
But the Pistons won’t have shooting guard Jaden Ivey for at least another month after he underwent successful surgery to repair a broken fibula in his left leg right after New Year’s. Ivey was in the process of having a career season and possibly becoming a star in his own right.
Hardaway Jr. has played extremely well since Ivey went down. Over his last five appearances, the 32-year-old wing has produced 16.2 points, knocking down nearly four treys a game while shooting 50.9/54.3/66.7. He has scored in double-figures four times during this short stretch, topping the 20-point mark twice, and has a +7.7 plus/minus rating.
Ausar Thompson and Malik Beasley have started at shooting guard in place of Ivey. Thompson brings defense, while Beasley is instant offense. Both have played extremely well in their starts during this period, though Beasley is just as valuable, if not more, with the second unit.
Jalen Duren has improved his offensive efficiency and become a defensive factor. Isaiah Stewart and Thompson have continued to grow despite seeing reduced minutes this year.
Meanwhile, Tobias Harris is playing his best basketball of the season. Simone Fontecchio has also increased his production this month.
What Does Detroit Need To Remain In Playoff Contention?
Detroit is in the middle of the pack in offensive and defensive rating. The Pistons are just an average shooting and passing team, though turnovers are an issue. They are a top-five rebounding team.
Not only are the Pistons an outstanding defensive rebounding team, but they are also one of the better interior defensive teams. The Pistons struggle on the perimeter, especially guarding the 3-point line. They allow the sixth most 3-pointers at 14.1 a game and permit opposing teams to shoot nearly 38% from deep.
Philadelphia could use an upgrade at a small forward. Hardaway has always been seen as a stop-gap, as Thompson has dealt with injuries throughout the year. With Thompson not ready to be a full-time starter and Fontecchio having struggled for much of the season, another quality starter is needed, especially with Ivey out for several more weeks.
The small forward should be a 3-and-D guy, with an emphasis on defense, who can create turnovers and possibly create offense. Hardaway and Fontechhio are not quality NBA defenders.
However, the Pistons’ biggest need is a guard who can create offense for himself and others and protect the ball, especially with Ivey out. Cunningham and Ivey commit nearly 7.5 turnovers a game.
Granted, Cunningham and Ivey are the Pistons’ highest-usage players, and by a fairly wide margin—Beasley is third and the only other player with a usage rate over 20%. While Cunningham has developed into a fantastic playmaker, and Ivey has shown the ability to be a quality facilitator, neither is great at getting into the paint. Both have a score-first mentality.
Despite Cunningham, Ivey, and Beasley having high usage rates, they combine for 15.5 assists a game. Plus, none of the trio is excellent at drawing fouls (combining for nine drawn a contest). The biggest reason is that Beasley and Cunningham operate mainly on the perimeter.
What Else Does The Pistons Need?
The Pistons also could use another shot-blocker and someone who can score on post-ups. Duren and Stewart are quality shot-blockers, but neither are offensive juggernauts. Harris has struggled most of this season, and he is at his best slashing, cutting, or shooting from the perimeter.
Detroit projects to have at least $27 million in cap space in the offseason, with 10 players under contract. The Pistons may or may not have a 2025 first-round pick—if they make the playoffs, the selection will be conveyed to Minnesota.
Chicago’s Lonzo Ball and Ayo Dosunmu have both been rumored to be on the trade market. Zach LaVine also could be an intriguing option. I’m not saying that the Pistons should make any of these deals, but they could be possible options.
Atlanta’s Onyeka Okongwu would also be a good fit for Detroit, not sure the Hawks are interested in parting with the 24-year-old. Obi Toppin would also be an intriguing fit with the Pistons
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