Detroit Pistons fans were hoping for an entirely different offseason than the one they are currently in the midst of. After being the biggest surprise team in the league last season, the Pistons had the chance to take a big step forward to become true Eastern Conference contenders. After almost two weeks of free agency, however, they have failed to make waves.
The biggest reason for the disappointing offseason is the unforeseen circumstances around Malik Beasley. The veteran sharpshooter was expected to be back in Detroit after an excellent campaign last year until a gambling investigation into Beasley threw a wrench in the Pistons' plans. Now, Beasley's NBA future is in jeopardy, making Detroit regret a prior offseason decision.
Pistons Likely Regret Letting Tim Hardaway Jr. Walk in Free Agency
The Pistons were initially fine with letting fellow veteran shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. sign elsewhere in free agency. The 33-year-old ended up agreeing to a minimum one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets. If general manager Trajan Langdon was aware of the Beasley situation earlier, he likely would have had more interest in keeping Hardaway for another season, especially considering the team-friendly nature of the deal he signed in Denver.
Hardaway would have perhaps still preferred to play next to Nikola Jokic in Denver. At the same time, he had a starting spot in Detroit, and the Pistons could have easily paid him more than the Nuggets did thanks to their cap space. It's safe to assume that Detroit had a path to keeping THJ if they wanted to.
With that in mind, losing Hardaway may not matter for Detroit. Perhaps offseason additions Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson will end up being an upgrade over Dennis Schroder, Beasley, and THJ. It's not like Hardaway is irreplaceable.
At the same time, Hardaway is a decent role player who knows the team and the organization with a skill set the Pistons desperately need. If they can't add more shooting before the season, their regret in not keeping him may only increase over time.