3 Free Agent Targets for the Detroit Pistons
Apr 30, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets small forward Corey Brewer (13) keeps the ball from Golden State Warriors point guard Jarrett Jack (2) in the third quarter in game five of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The good news for the Detroit Pistons is that they didn’t finish with worse record in the league! Although that could have been a blessing as they could have potentially grabbed the #1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft and had their pick of either Ben McLemore or Otto Porter( don’t need Nerlens Noel). Even after missing the playoffs again for the 4th consecutive season, there is some bright and promising players. Andre Drummond is a beast. He can finish at the rim like Dwight Howard and blocks shots like Ben Wallace( and shoots free throws like him too). Greg Monroe is a budding star. He’s dependable on the block and can stretch it out for a 14 foot jumper. Brandon Knight is a young guard that has a pure stroke and has great court vision. Those 3 young players are the core and what the Pistons need to build around, but what do they need?
What the Pistons will do in free agency depends a lot on the draft. The Pistons could target a point guard, shooting guard, or a small forward. It all depends on who is available at the #8 pick. The Pistons desperately need a player who can play on the wing and score the ball. They also need depth on the bench. After Monroe and Drummond there isn’t a reliable big guy that comes off the bench. Yes Charlie Villanueva is 6’11” but he plays like he is 6’6″ and always is lingering around the 3 point line. Slava Kratsov is to raw to be a contributor at this point in his young NBA career. Brandon Knight has played both point guard and shooting guard, but what is his best position? I personally think he’s a better shooting guard but he doesn’t have the size of a NBA shooting guard.
Targets
The #1 target on the Pistons free agent board should be Dallas Mavericks shooting guard O.J Mayo. The Pistons need scoring help and Mayo can provide that. Mayo averaged 15ppg this past season and also tacked on 4 assists a game. Mayo has the potential to be the scorer the Pistons need. A 4 year 32-36 million dollar deal should get O.J to Detroit
A small forward target the Pistons should consider is Corey Brewer of the Denver Nuggets. He’s still young at 27 and averaged 12ppg for the Nuggets during the season. The Pistons should be able to get him for around 6 million a year for 3 years.
The Pistons need a veteran to help Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond. The answer won’t be Josh Smith and Dwight Howard is not a good fit. The Pistons need a guy who can come off the bench and give them 10-15 minutes a game and average about 8 points a game. Chris Kaman has been a starter for the most of his career, but he would be a good player to come off the bench. He should come at a lower price of his 9 million deal with the Mavericks this season, I think a 2 year 10-12 million dollar deal should get it done.
Note: Jose Calderon could decide to resign with the Pistons which would probably mean that O.J Mayo wouldn’t be coming to Detroit.