Detroit Pistons: Players to Target in Free Agency
By Zac Snyder
Marreese Speights
With a greater emphasis on other pursuits, it is likely Marreese Speights’ days with the Golden State Warriors are over. He has definite value as a scorer and rebounder off the bench and he would bring some much-needed size to the Pistons frontcourt.
Unless the Pistons play Andre Drummond and Aron Baynes at the same time, their four is generaly undersized. That’s not necessarily a problem with what Stan Van Gundy likes to do on offense but having the ability to matchup with a bigger lineup is a plus. Speights would give Van Gundy that ability while still having a four on the floor who has some shooting range.
Speights was 24-of-62 (38.7%) from three-point range last season – all career-highs. The Pistons would be wise to look ahead at their big man situation as Baynes holds a player option after next season and should be able to earn more money than the $6.5 million due on his option. Adding Henry Ellenson in the 2016 NBA Draft helps down the line but the Piston may still pursue more frontcourt size this summer.
The likelihood that someone over pays is high and it remains to be seen how much Speights’ offensive game was propped up by the Golden State Warriors’ wide open style of play on offense.
That could mean someone ends up with buyer’s remorse, but in the right role for the right price, Speights is an attractive option.
Next: Jaremy Lin