Detroit Pistons: Using free agency to improve shooting guards

There are plenty of unknowns in any NBA offseason. Every team has needs, they will look to upgrade, while players decide where and with whom they want to play. For the Detroit Pistons, that need is guards. Now, it becomes a question of selecting and enticing the right player.

It is safe to say the Detroit Pistons are happy with their frontcourt. Between the $34 million going to Blake Griffin and the $25 million to Andre Drummond next year, they are paying more than 45% of their cap space to big men. This makes sense, too, as both players have been All-Stars, have made All NBA teams, and in Griffin’s case, finished in the top 3 for league MVP. But in a league with increased emphasis on smaller shooters, the Pistons need to concentrate on their backcourt as well.

As highlighted in a previous discussion, both primary point guards for the Pistons are coming off the books in the next two years. At the same time, they need to think about improving their wings, although the situation is not as critical. Langston Galloway played the most time at the two this season and has one more year left in his contract.

Rookie Bruce Brown, who surprised many by starting in more than half of the games in 2019, still has two years on a very affordable deal. Finally, Luke Kennard, arguably the best asset for the future, is with Detroit for at least one more year, after which point the team will almost definitely exercise the option to keep him. The Pistons are deep in the shooting guard position, but there is still room for improvement. Whether they attempt to seek a free agent or turn to the draft remains to be seen.

More from Detroit Jock City

What are the Detroit Pistons looking for in a shooting guard? Actually, the answer is two factors that two former players provided. For one, a new shooting guard should be adept at the three-point shot, as per coach Dwane Casey’s typical gameplan. This means they would look to replace Reggie Bullock, who went to the Lakers midway through the season. Bullock is a career 39% shooter beyond the arc; only Kennard shot better last season for Detroit.

The Detroit Pistons will also look to upgrade at defense, in an effort to replace Stanley Johnson, who was involved in a three-team trade that sent him to New Orleans. Although not as much of an offensive threat, Johnson was often brought in to stop an opponent’s star. Both Bullock and Johnson played more of a forward role in Detroit, but if the Pistons are looking for smaller wing players to shoot threes and defend, there are a couple of options in free agency.

One name frequently bandied about in Detroit circles is Seth Curry. Like his older brother, Curry has proven he can knock down threes. In limited minutes, he is shooting 44% from three, which would be a team-high for Detroit. He would be passable on defense, especially if he plays at the level of his best season, two years ago in Dallas. He is a journeyman, though, playing for six different teams in five seasons. But he is a free agent who would not cost much if the Pistons decided to take a flyer.

Another intriguing candidate is Rodney Hood. Although he is less of a factor on defense, Hood does take and make threes. He shoots about as often Galloway, but he makes more of them. He would be a nice complement to Galloway, or more realistically, an all-around upgrade to Glenn Robinson III, who the Pistons are probably losing this year. He is a year older than Robinson and a better player, yet he stands to make about the same amount of money.

Next. Looking for Point Guards in Free Agency. dark

In all likelihood, the Detroit Pistons will turn to the draft for another wing, either at #15 or #45. Simply put, the wings in this free agency are not deep, or they get too expensive too quickly. There are still viable free agents, however, who may make the Pistons a better club for the right price.

Home/Detroit Pistons