The 2024 NBA offseason will have major implications for the Detroit Pistons. After suffering through the worst season in franchise history finishing 14-68, serious changes need to happen to turn the losing ways around.

Detroit's current front office was hired to complete this restoration in 2020. While General Manager Troy Weaver showed some promise and optimism early, that image has quickly been reversed due to the historic struggles of this franchise.

This team cannot afford another regular season finish near last place. Hiring a playoff-experienced head coach in Monty Williams plus the return of a healthy Cade Cunningham was supposed to help propel the Pistons in a winning direction in 2023-24. Instead, the team recorded an NBA record of 28 consecutive losses on their way to the worst record in Pistons' history.

An overhaul is desperately needed in this critical time for the Pistons. Team owner Tom Gores has already stated they are searching for a new president of basketball operations now that the regular season is over. It may be a steep climb for Detroit to return to postseason contention, but the front office needs to hit on some repairing moves immediately.

Veteran scoring and shooting

Detroit Pistons head coach Monty Williams watches from the sideline as they take on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.
© David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The offensive execution and efficiency of the Pistons were difficult to watch most of the season. They ranked close to the bottom averaging 109.9 points per game which was 27th in the league. Detroit also had trouble improving from three as they shot 34.4% all season. Limited spacing was one of their biggest issues as opponents regularly keyed on doubling Cunningham to force others to score.

Detroit's front office is approaching the offseason with effective resources to help turn things around. They will have about $64 million to spend in cap space during NBA free agency. They can also package their upcoming No. 5 overall NBA draft pick with valuable young players on the roster in a trade.

The Pistons are running out of time to wait for all of their young nucleus to develop. Adding consistent veteran scoring needs to be a priority to create space and relieve pressure off their franchise point guard.

It may not be easy to acquire winning pieces for a team that finished last in the NBA, but they need to maximize their resources. Surrounding a talented facilitator like Cunningham with shooters and a reliable complimentary scorer has to be a prime objective this offseason.

Experienced defenders

As one of the youngest teams in the NBA, the Pistons had glaring problems defensively all season. Opponents took advantage of Detroit often in the interior averaging 54.4 points in the paint per game.

Another troubling sign of a young team is the inability to defend without fouling. The Pistons lost in that department often with the officials as they ranked 27th in the league averaging 20.6 fouls each game.

There was some promise shown early defensively between Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren. Their lack of experience baited them into foul trouble often against their opposition, showing a need for more veteran defenders on the perimeter and in the paint. Detroit should keep that on their wishlist to help aid their young core similar to how the Houston Rockets did adding Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks last offseason.

Bring Simone Fonteccio back

One of the most positive signs of life for the Pistons last season was the acquisition of Simone Fonteccio. Detroit acquired the 6-8 forward from the Utah Jazz after sending Kevin Knox, a future-second round pick, and Gabriele Procida.

After unloading almost half of the roster in trades before the deadline, Fonteccio solidified himself as a reliable player the team can lean on. He averaged 15.4 points on 48% shooting from the field and 42.6% from three in only 15 games as a Piston. Fonteccio filled in as an improved version of Bojan Bogdanovic as a more versatile defender and off-ball shooter.

Fonteccio will become a restricted free agent after next season. He stepped in as a 28-year-old young veteran who provided a spark in the frontcourt offensively and defensively. Considering Detroit's limited depth on the wing, it would be crucial to make sure he remains with the Pistons.