The Detroit Pistons are in the midst of an active offseason. Entering summer with a clear mandate to improve the roster and the resources to do so, GM Trajan Langdon has been busy. Between Isaiah Joe, Ebuka Okorie, and John Collins, there have been three additions. Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart, and Marcus Sasser, on the other hand, will play elsewhere next season.
However, the Pistons are still not done. The restricted free agency of Jalen Duren remains unresolved. Detroit is adamant about its desire to re-sign its All-Star center, but the sides haven't been able to agree on a contract extension. Given the fact that the Pistons have the right to match any offer sheet, one has to assume that they will do whatever it takes to keep the talented big man.
Assuming Duren signs a new deal with Detroit, what does the rotation look like? Let's take a look at the depth chart and point out the needs for the team.
PG | SG | SF | PF | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cade Cunningham | Duncan Robinson | Ausar Thompson | John Collins | Jalen Duren? |
Daniss Jenkins | Isaiah Joe | Ron Holland | Paul Reed | |
Ebuka Okorie | Kevin Huerter | Javonte Green | Tolu Smith | |
Caris LeVert | Chaz Lanier |
Pistons still have work to do to balance out the roster
The roster imbalance is obvious at first glance. The Pistons are stacked in the backcourt and have a dearth of quality options in the frontcourt. Losing Stewart and Harris and replacing them only with Collins has left the Pistons lacking in depth.
The fact that the Pistons don't have a good backup power forward is frustrating since this has been a constant issue over the last couple of years. Detroit has struggled in the absence of Tobias Harris in the last two seasons, and the front office hasn't addressed this weakness.
Sure, Ron Holland, Ausar Thompson, and Javonte Green could slide up and guard some power forwards. Paul Reed may be the four in some lineup combinations next to Duren. But Detroit's need for another reliable option there is clear.
Considering the embarrassment of riches the Pistons have at guard, it would behoove Langdon to turn one of these backcourt players into someone who can play power forward and center. If that player can shoot, even better.
There are still rumors about potential departures and arrivals. Duncan Robinson, due to the fact that only $2 million of his $15.9 million contract is guaranteed for next season, is considered a departure candidate. Caris LeVert, due to his expiring contract and the crowded backcourt, could be a trade chip.
Of course, there is still the small chance that Duren heads elsewhere. At this point, it seems like it would be difficult for the Pistons to replace him with a quality starter.
There are still a ton of moving parts in Detroit. We will know more about the final roster and depth chart in a couple of weeks, but it's safe to assume that the Pistons are not done yet.
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