Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon could truly make his mark on his new team from his spot in the front office by adding more playmakers and frontcourt depth. If he truly wanted to take a big swing, Langdon could sign one of the intriguing free agents out there who can do both.
Bol Bol is still available as a free agent, remaining unsigned throughout the summer after two years with the dysfunctional Kevin Durant-Devin Booker-Bradley Beal edition of the Phoenix Suns. While it's unclear what Bol could do on what'd be his fourth team in seven seasons, it's worth consideration.
This is especially true given that the Pistons may need to take calculated swings to keep up in the Eastern Conference arms race after losing several key role players. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Schroder are two scoring threats whose punch is gone. Malik Beasley's shooting may not return, depending on which direction the NBA's investigation into gambling allegations takes.
Cade Cunningham needs help. J.B. Bickerstaff certainly wouldn't oppose a seven-foot-three combo forward who isn't afraid to initiate fastbreaks and finish them. There's a fit, but only with some creative thinking. And maybe a little moxie to go with it.
Pistons Can Afford to Take a Shot on Bol Bol
Bol could end up on an NBA roster. Or he could go the G League route. Or something else entirely. The Valley of the Suns' Josh Cornelissen floated that possibility back in August. Nothing has changed since then.
The Pistons don't need to be a charity case. Maybe Bol could be a fit for the Motor City Cruise, if not the pro team. Bol is 25 years old. There's a slim chance he's done developing as a player, but the right coaching may help fuel a strong second act. A player who possesses his size and length is worth developing. If nothing else, it's worth a small gamble to get him in the system and monitor his development from there.
At worst, Detroit could pique some interest from the NBA world. At best, the Pistons could have unearthed a gem who showed serious flashes in Phoenix. Langdon would gladly settle for something in between, though, as long as the former five-star prospect can provide the franchise with positive returns on any potential investment.
Either way, Langdon has little to lose as he battles the perception that his up-and-down, but mostly down, tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans created about his ability to build a winner. Why not roll the dice on a player with the physical attributes Bol possesses?