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Detroit Pistons: Looking for Point Guards in Free Agency

By Joseph Wooley

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 30: Former Detroit Piston Isiah Thomas talks to Reggie Jackson #1 of the Detroit Pistons after a celebration of the 1989 and 1990 World Championship Detroit Pistons at halftime during a game between the Portland Trail Blazers and Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 30, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 30: Former Detroit Piston Isiah Thomas talks to Reggie Jackson #1 of the Detroit Pistons after a celebration of the 1989 and 1990 World Championship Detroit Pistons at halftime during a game between the Portland Trail Blazers and Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 30, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

There was a time when some fans clamored for a Reggie Jackson for Ricky Rubio trade, straight-up. Now, Rubio is a free agent. He has been an effective starter for both Minnesota and Utah since entering the league in 2011. In reality, this alone probably disqualifies him as a backup to Reggie, so a sign-and-trade agreement probably makes more sense.

The two have been in the league for as many years, over which time Rubio has proved to be a stronger defender. The Pistons would lose some points on the board from Jackson, but his usage was on a slight decline anyways by adding Blake Griffin. Rubio could be a better creator in the backcourt.

Elfrid Payton is another good playmaker, but his scoring suffers as a result. He is also a career .630 free throw shooter, which is not great for someone at his position. Furthermore, free throw percentage is one field Detroit should work to improve next year. But Payton has played a lot of minutes in his young career and would make for an above average sixth man for the Detroit Pistons.

What makes this less likely is that the Pelicans may lock up Payton as insurance backup for Jrue Holiday, who missed the end of the season due to injury. With the draft lottery giving New Orleans the first pick in the draft, and Anthony Davis chirping about wanting to leave, the Pelicans are suddenly the most interesting team to watch in the offseason. The Detroit Pistons could make a legitimate play at Payton at that time.

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