The Detroit Pistons won the most games in the Eastern Conference last season. They were so close to the ultimate glory, but their lack of experience hurt them when it mattered the most. As such, the priority for this offseason should be clear: Add veterans.
That's why, with DeMar DeRozan now as one of the most coveted free agents in the league, J.B. Bickerstaff's team should be all over him. Of course, they won't be alone in their pursuit of the future Hall of Famer.
Nevertheless, while other contending teams may only give him a limited role off the bench, the Pistons can give him the freedom and touches he won't get elsewhere. Even as a sixth man, he'd get to play more in Detroit than in any other team.
DeMar DeRozan should want to play for the Pistons
On paper, DeRozan might not be the best fit for the Pistons' offense. He's another non-shooter for a team that desperately needs spacing. However, the Pistons can give him a James Harden-type role that would also help him extend his career.
DeRozan is an underrated playmaker who can easily lead this team's second unit during stretches, with Daniss Jenkins, a much more reliable three-point shooter, playing off the ball to stretch the floor by his side.
Whoever doesn't get LeBron James will most likely make DeRozan their top priority, but that might not be in his best interests. He'll likely be stuck in a stacked team, standing in the corner, and getting a handful of accidental touches at best.
We've seen so many great players fall from grace after making that type of sacrifice. Stars need to have the ball in their hands to get into a rhythm, and once that doesn't happen, they seem to age in dog years. It happened to almost every big name who got bought out and jumped ship to chase a ring.
DeRozan wouldn't be another veteran in Detroit; he'd be a trusted voice and a leader, and he could have that role for years. Notably, he'd also get to play for a championship, as he'd be joining the reigning No. 1 seed in the East.
The Pistons are reportedly keeping tabs on Kevin Durant, who might be a better fit on the court but definitely not in the locker room. But if it's a veteran scorer they're looking for, they should pivot to DeMar DeRozan.
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