The Detroit Pistons will receive a jumpstart in their rebuilding process with the first pick in the NBA Draft. The general consensus is that they'll pick point guard Cade Cunningham from Oklahoma State. The Pistons have enough cap space to a big-name free agent. But given their status as a rebuilding team, it's next to impossible to accomplish this task. In this post, we're looking at Detroit Pistons free agency.
As such, the right move would be to spend their cap space on some quality veterans. Players who can teach them how to survive in the NBA and more importantly, how to behave like a true professional. There are three good veterans which the Pistons can acquire without much difficulty. Let's walk through some of them.
Pistons Free Agency
Paul Millsap
Whenever Paul Millsap hits the free agency market, it's a travesty that analysts and the media don't hype him enough. People tend to ignore the fact that he's a four-time All-Star and a one-time member of the All-NBA Defensive Second Team. In addition, he's been a critical part of all the teams he's played for. Not all veterans possess the resume that Millsap has.
Millsap, 36, is likely wrapping up his NBA. He and his agent are likely negotiating one final deal with the Denver Nuggets before he hangs it up. It would be understandable if the Nuggets do not grant his wishes. However, this does not mean that Millsap is washed up. As noted, acquiring a veteran is one of the most important steps in a rebuilding squad. There's no question that Millsap can be a productive player. But what the Pistons are after are the lessons he'll teach their young core. Things that they'll carry with them for the rest of their careers.
JJ Redick
Unlike Millsap, whenever Redick hits the free agency market, tons of reports pop up that further push his stock up. And this is for a good reason. A 3-point shooter, especially in today's era, brings so much value. Those who have been following Redick's NBA career know how he was a fundamental piece with the Orlando Magic, LA Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and even in his short stint with the New Orleans Pelicans.
As always, his age may be a factor especially since he had a subpar showing last season. However, it's important to note that pure shooters like Redick seem to have a longer lifespan than most players. They don't really rely on athleticism which declines as the player ages. A player's shooting stroke, meanwhile, will always be there. It's just a matter of knowing how to properly utilize him.
Patty Mills
It's unusual to see Patty Mills as a free-agent target. He seems bound to finish off his career with the San Antonio Spurs — a team where he won his first and only title and guided to a slew of playoff appearances. He just finished off a four-year, $48 million contract with the Spurs and is now an unrestricted free agent.
What makes the Australian perfect for the Pistons is that he's used to and willing to take on a backup point guard role. If the Pistons pick up Cade Cunningham as their first pick, Mills may be the only ideal mentor for him. The man spent years under the great Gregg Popovich, has played with legends like Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. You also cannot discount his role in the formation of Kawhi Leonard.
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