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Detroit Pistons Season Preview: Were The Offseason Moves Impactful Enough?

By Jon Poole

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 09: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons looks on while playing the Memphis Grizzlies at Little Caesars Arena on April 09, 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 - APRIL 09: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons looks on while playing the Memphis Grizzlies at Little Caesars Arena on April 09, 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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Detroit Pistons
(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

The Bench

The bench is where the Pistons really did work this summer. Most notably signing former MVP current 6th man of the year candidate Derrick Rose to a two-year $15 million contract. Where he can create a lopsided divide within the fanbase on who should be starting as soon as Reggie does what Reggie does come regular season…as if Reggie didn’t seem to have confidence issues playing with a more talented PG in OKC. This could be the best show of the season, stay tuned.

The Detroit Pistons have one of the more intriguing second-string backcourts in the NBA with Derrick Rose and Luke Kennard. Though, in my opinion, Kennard is the most talented guard on the roster. He’s forced to play with Rose on the second unit because you shouldn’t have Bruce Brown and Rose on the court together often due to poor three-point shooting.

You also need Reggie starting over Rose, ala…Brown starting and Kennard coming off the bench. As this is how the Pistons will start their games, how they finish will tell a more accurate story as to who they value more.

One of my favorite moves of the offseason involved another PG with the signing of Tim Frazier. Brought in for when either of the aforementioned injury-prone PG’s (Jackson-Rose) goes down, you have a legitimate backup.

I’ve heard Pistons fans relived that Frazier looks like a decent 3rd string PG, but I’m telling you Frazier is better than half of the leagues backup PG’s. Per 36 minutes, Tim Frazier was 9th in the NBA in assists last season. There’s going to be plenty of nights where Frazier outplays Jackson and/or Rose. Bet.

In what may be the most necessary move of the offseason, the Pistons signed backup PF Markieff Morris to a 1-year $3.2 million contract with a ’20-’21 player option. This could be the most necessary move because he is the backup to oft-injured and key to the Pistons post-season hopes Blake Griffin, who’s, unfortunately, entering the season with an injury.

My waiver-wire darling Christian Wood now has a spot on 15 man roster with this weeks’ waiving of Joe Johnson. I’ve been badgering #PistonsTwitter since the signing that Wood will make the roster, even with no clear path. For one, he’s the only true center on the roster minus Andre Drummond. For seconds, he’s excelled in the NBA when given time, passing the analytics and eye test. For thirds, he’s better than a couple of Piston’s guaranteed contracts–Khyri Thomas…

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