5 Predictions For The Rest Of The Detroit Pistons Season
Prediction #3: By the end of the season the Small Forward position will not be as big a problem as once thought.
Jan 21, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Kyle Singler (25) dribbles the ball as Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) defends in the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons won 128-118. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
For the length of the season there has been a lot of criticism toward the Small Forward position for the Pistons. Whether it be Smith manning the position or Kyle Singler it’s viewed as the liability of the team .
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With how lackluster Singler is at times it’s hard to not say he’s the weak link in the Pistons lineup. Backups like an aging Caron Butler and Cartier Martin don’t instill fear within the opponents’ collective hearts.
While it’s true that they may not be that flashy it’s hard to argue that they’ve been downright bad. Singler’s shooting the 3 ball at 43.6% clip is exactly what the Pistons need. Butler’s not exactly here to play but more as a veteran presence and fans shouldn’t be expecting too much from Martin at this point.
Can the Small Forward position gain an improvement through a trade or signing? Absolutely. But it’s not worth upgrading at this point if the cost is too steep.
A trade that can net a solid Small Forward is possible but not worth it if the cost is a first round pick or a solid contributor. Small Forward’s a problem but not big enough to take care of right this moment.
If when the trade deadline comes along and there’s a solid offer on the table that’s the time to capitalize. But based on how the Pistons are playing it’s hard to justify an overpay for a wing player.
The current cast of Pistons manning the position will do just fine for the rest of the season. Van Gundy doesn’t need them to be superstars or anything they just need to be solid contributors that try on the defensive side of the ball.
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