The rebuilding process for the Detroit Pistons continues. It definitely received a jumpstart after they picked Cade Cunningham as their first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Pistons fans should expect Cunningham and Jerami Grant to be the focal point of the playbook in the coming seasons. Maybe even Saddiq Bey or Josh Jackson will rise up to the occasion.
With regard to their mission of finding their identity as a team and making the playoffs, the Pistons signed Kelly Olynyk, Trey Lyles, Corey Joseph and Saben Lee. While we ultimately need to see them in action to see if these were the right moves, let's grade how the Pistons fare in the 2021 free agency anyway. Are these players good enough to help the team clinch a playoff spot for just the third time in 13 years?
Kelly Olynyk: A
From his stints in Boston, Miami and Houston, Kelly Olynyk has always been a productive player. He's averaging 10.1 points and 5.1 rebounds for his career. He's also shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from deep.
Olynyk is essentially the replacement of Mason Plumlee, who provided a presence in the paint for the Pistons. Whether Olynyk is an upgrade or a downgrade from Plumlee is a matter of wait-and-see. But looking at their player profiles alone in relation to the presence of offensive initiator Cade Cunningham, the Olynyk signing will likely work wonders for the Pistons.
Don't let Olynyk's seemingly awkward jump shot fool you. The man is pretty fluent in catch-and-shoot situations. He's also an aggressor himself. When he spots an opening, he won't hesitate to go straight to the hoop. From time to time, he also unveils that step-back jumper from deep.
Having a reliable scoring option behind Grant or Cunningham (if the rookie makes the transition) bodes well for the Pistons' hopes of returning to the playoffs. While Olynyk could be a starter for the Pistons, head coach Dwane Casey will likely place Isaiah Stewart in the starting center position. Nonetheless, don't be surprised if Olynyk takes over the starting chores from time to time.
Trey Lyles: B+
The Pistons were able to sign 6-foot-9 stretch-4 Trey Lyles to a two-year, $5 million deal. This seems a lot given his mediocre averages of 5.0 points per game last season with the San Antonio Spurs. However, it's clear that the Pistons were specifically eyeing for sharpshooting big men to complement the playmaking abilities of Cade Cunningham. Olynyk fits these requirements, and so does Trey Lyles.
Knocking down catch-and-shoot 3-pointers was his main role for the Spurs. In fact, you can say that he was partly responsible for the significant uptick in DeMar DeRozan's assists per game. He will definitely play a similar role with the Pistons.
It's easy to imagine defenses collapsing on Cunningham or Jerami Grant (although Grant may need to work on passing off the double team) then Lyles knocking down a 3-pointer. Lyles' lack of athleticism is and always will be a liability, especially when it comes to playing defense. However, you can guarantee that he will work his tail off every time. Hewill likely be part of the third unit as the Pistons are pretty stacked in the frontcourt.
In his limited playing time, expect him to make a good impact.
Cory Joseph: A
Veteran guard Cory Joseph averaged 12.0 points and 5.5 assists in 19 games (11 starts) with the Pistons last season. Joseph has always been a reliable guard even from his early days with the San Antonio Spurs. Yes, he has been a journeyman for most of his NBA career, but this doesn't necessarily speak badly of what he can bring to the floor.
In fact, Joseph could even become a starting guard for the Pistons if it wasn't so stacked in the said spot. With Cunningham in the fold, Joseph will likely be the Pistons' backup guard. This will bring some much-needed stability for Detroit, especially given that they seem intent on fielding both Killian Hayes and Cunningham together.
The said pairing will be an ongoing experiment for the 2021-22 NBA season. If things don't work as expected, then expect head coach Dwane Casey to insert Joseph back in.
Saben Lee: B
Saben Lee showed up in the Summer League when the Pistons decided to sit both Hayes and Cunningham. He dropped 22 points in their win over the Los Angeles Lakers, showing off his steady jump shot and athleticism.
Amid all his antics, it's difficult to tell if Lee will actually get some significant playing time with the Pistons this season. Note that Lee is entering just his second year in the league. If he was a bit more experienced, then Casey might find a steady role for him. Fans may see him in action from time to time. But for the most part, he may spend much of his time in the G League honing his skills.
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