The Detroit Pistons exceeded expectations on all fronts last season. One of the biggest factors for their 30-win improvement from a season ago was the contributions from their veteran additions. Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Malik Beasley all played a large role in Detroit's sixth-seed finish.
For the Pistons to take the next step forward, however, they need to make a few tough decisions. Being a tough out in the first round is certainly fun, but the Eastern Conference is wide open heading into next season, and the Pistons can be a true contender with the right offseason moves.
Pistons Fans Will Not Mind Seeing Tim Hardaway Jr. Walk in Free Agency
One of those moves is to let Hardaway Jr. walk in free agency. Along with Beasley, Dennis Schröder, Paul Reed, and Lindy Waters, THJ is one of five pending free agents for the Pistons.
The veteran shooting guard is a solid role player in the regular season, but he is underqualified to be a starter or play over 30 minutes per game like he did in the playoffs for the Pistons. Similar to his previous postseason runs, Hardaway struggled immensely against the Knicks, shooting 33.8% from the field and 30.8% from three.
For a player who doesn't do much else other than shoot and score, that is simply not good enough. If the Pistons want to become a serious contender, they need to surround Cade Cunningham with serious playoff players. Throughout his 12-year career, Hardaway has unfortunately proven that he is not a playoff player.
If the Pistons can bring the 33-year-old back on a minimum deal, they should certainly do so. However, it's hard to imagine that he would be willing to accept such an offer. In that case, Pistons fans should be more than happy to let him go and replace Hardaway Jr. with a younger and cheaper option, either through the draft or free agency.