The Detroit Pistons made the playoffs in the 2018-19 NBA season but were swept in the first round by the Milwaukee Bucks. Was it progress? Yes. Especially considering they missed out the last two seasons. But does this team have the ability to grow or have they reached their ceiling?
To be honest, this is as good as this current group will be. The roster is comprised of guys no team wanted and those who have underachieved throughout their career. Yes, they have one of the best frontcourts in the NBA with Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond, however, the pairing has not hit its stride.
The backcourt is nowhere near elite and the bench, well, it reads like a G-League roster. It's time for major changes this offseason if the Pistons are to make a strong run as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference in 2019. What can be done to ensure they will not have another setback in 2019?
This offseason will be big for plenty of teams. The Golden State Warriors could easily lose two of their big four. The Houston Rockets could lose Chris Paul. The Toronto Raptors may be without Kawhi Leonard and the list goes on. With that said, will any of the big name free agents be willing to make Detroit their top destination this summer?
In order to compete next season, the Detroit Pistons will need to improve. Here are 3 changes the Pistons must make this offseason.
Find a real Point Guard
No disrespect to Reggie Jackson. He's a good player but not the player the Pistons need as a starting floor general. Since coming over from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2015, he's averaged 16.3 points and 5.3 assists. Compared to most starting PG's in the league, he's faring well. However, the Pistons need him to do and be more.
With a loaded frontcourt, Jackson should hover around the 9-10 assists per game average. His scoring has been great but there have been too many games where he's vanished. It's time for the Pistons to make a move and replace Jackson. A good option would be to resign Ish Smith but what if they were to go out and make a play for Kemba Walke Kyrie Irving?
If the Pistons could throw a lineup out nighty centered around Irving, Drummond, and Griffin, they could easily be in a fight for one of the top three spots in the East. But as long as Jackson is running the show, the Pistons will always hover around mediocracy.
Do Whatever It Takes To Get Klay Thompson
If the Pistons are serious about becoming contenders, they will need an outside threat. How many players in the NBA can honestly say, they're better than Thompson from the perimeter? In 2018, Thompson averaged 7.7 shots from three-point territory per game. Thompson hit 3.1 of his attempts for .402 percent.
If Thompson were to choose Detroit, that would easily make them a top threat. Pairing Thompson on the outside to go along with the paint production of Griffin (24.5 points, 7.5 rebounds) and Drummond (17.3 points, 15.6 rebounds) would give any defense nightmares to handle. In Golden State, Thompson has thrived off the catch and shoot. In Detroit, there would be no Curry or Durant stealing shots. And, with one of the best offensive rebounders in Drummond, second-chance baskets would be plentiful.
Thompson brings a veteran presence plus one who has won multiple championships and understand how to maneuver through pressure.
Find A Scheme To Utilize Both Drummond and Griffin
For some strange reason, the Pistons have not been able to utilize the talents of Drummond and Griffin together. Yes, their numbers are good, but they could be great. Griffin is a beast when he wants to be. He's the ultimate stretch 4. His range beyond the three-point line has improved the last three seasons. He can still put the ball on the floor and finish above the rim with the best of them.
His counterpart Drummond has continued to hear his name mentioned in trade rumors and yet, he's still there. It could be his huge salary, but imagine how dangerous the Detroit Pistons could be if they had a true point guard or a sniper from the perimeter. What they may need is a coach who knows a thing or two about the low post.
While Drummond may be a bit limited in his offensive skills, he's the best at second-chance baskets. The one area where Drummond must improve is his ability to pass out of double teams. If the Pistons can snag a shooter in either the Draft or free agency, this will open up the offense more and allow both post player to excel.
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