The Detroit Pistons' need to add more shooting this summer is well-documented. While the Pistons' defense has been at a championship-level all season, they need more offensive firepower to take them to true title contention. One way to add that offense could be by bringing back a familiar face in free agency.
Tim Hardaway Jr.'s departure last offseason hurt the Pistons more than many would have thought. The veteran shooting guard had a solid season in Detroit, averaging 28 minutes per game in 77 appearances. He hit 36.8% of his 5.9 threes per game and was the best shooter on the team outside of Malik Beasley. When Hardaway Jr. signed with the Nuggets on a one-year minimum deal, the Pistons struggled to replace his production.
Now that the 34-year-old sharpshooter will be a free agent once again this summer, he should be on the list of candidates to consider for the Pistons.
Tim Hardaway Jr.-Pistons reunion could be a win-win scenario for both sides
Hardaway Jr. had an excellent season in Denver, playing in 80 games and hitting a career-high 40.57% of his threes. He was one of the best sixth men in the league, benefitting from playing next to Nikola Jokic and getting a ton of open shots.
While the Nuggets will want to re-sign him in the offseason, they are in a financial crunch. Their priorities will be to re-sign Peyton Watson without going significantly over the luxury tax. If THJ is going to cost more than the veteran minimum after the good season he just had, the Nuggets may find it difficult to retain him.
The Pistons, on the other hand, have some cap flexibility heading into the offseason. How much space they will have will depend on their decisions on Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris, but the Pistons should have enough to be able to lure Hardaway back to Detroit.
A lot of the Pistons offseason will also depend on what they do elsewhere. They are expected to be active in the trade market. So, they could be adding offensive difference-makers without having to rely on free agency.
At the same time, the Hardaway signing would make sense regardless of what the Pistons do with the rest of their roster. At this stage of his career, THJ is strictly a backup shooting guard. Playing 15 to 20 minutes per game off the bench on a championship contender would be a solid role for him.
Even if the Pistons can find higher-end perimeter options this summer, Hardaway Jr. should still be a worthy consideration in free agency.
Add us as a preferred source on Google