This season was a roller coaster ride for the Detroit Pistons. They were one of the worst teams in the NBA before Josh Smith was released. After his release, the Pistons went on a hot streak and looked to be in the playoff hunt. They refrained from trading Greg Monroe and acquired Reggie Jackson after Brandon Jennings ruptured his achilles. Both Monroe and Jackson are unrestricted free agents. Now that the Pistons are not in the playoffs, they could be losing two of their top three players. The Pistons are projected to have a lottery pick at the end of the to ten. They will be looking to acquire a small forward, power forward, and rotational big man. Lets see who could be on the Pistons next season.
Free Agency
Draymond Green
Draymond Green has been on the Pistons radar all season. Green is from Detroit and went to Michigan State. The restricted free agent is expecting a max level contract and the Golden State Warriors want to keep him. He is the best defensive player in the NBA. He is receiving a max deal strictly off of his defense which is unheard of in todays NBA. Green is going to Detroit or Golden State next season.
Wesley Matthews
Wesley Matthews on any roster would turn them into a three point shooting team. The Pistons already have Brandon Jennings, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Jodie Meeks who can shoot the three. Wes would solidify the Pistons offense. He is best when he is the second or third scoring option. He would be the second option in Detroit but be asked to take more shots then he did in Portland. If Detroit wants another shooter, there aren’t much better on the market then Wes.
Greg Monroe
The Pistons have a big decision to make when it comes to Greg Monroe. When Josh Smith got released, Monroe took over averaging a double-double per game. There have been rumors swirling around the NBA about Monroe and the New York Knicks which leads me to believe Monroe could be gone. The combo of Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe scares opposing rosters. If Draymond Green stays in Golden State, Detroit has to re-sign Monroe.
Draft
Willy Cauley-Stein
Willy Cauley-Stein is the best defensive prospect in the 2015 NBA Draft class. He has the speed to stop the fast break, athleticism to cover the four or five, and hands to block any shot in his direction. He gave Kentucky’s defense an attitude. He is tough and never backs down on defense. He is perfect for Detroit. They already have a very good center in Andre Drummond who is smoother on offense then defense. Cauley-Stein could re-unite the “Bad Boy” mentality in Detroit.
Kevon Looney
The way Kevon Looney plays reminds me of Draymond Green. He is an aggressive rebounder and is most effective on the offensive glass. He is active on defense and is averaging over a block and a steal per game while at UCLA. He can play the wing but he is a preferred four. If he adds size he will be a true NBA four. He has a motor which teams like in a young player. He can cover multiple positions which makes him even more valuable for the Pistons.
Stanley Johnson
Stanley Johnson is an absolute beast. He is a lanky defender that thrives off the ball. He has the NBA size to cover most opposing threes. He has wide shoulders and isn’t afraid to use them. His defensive game is NBA ready, but offensively, not so much. He needs to find consistency with his jump shot. He can help move the ball up the court on offense and has the ability to bring the ball up. He would solidify the three for the Pistons for years to come.
The Pistons are fearing potentially losing both Greg Monroe and Reggie Jackson. Andre Drummond has face of the franchise potential who is a lock for the future. Stan Van Gundy has the Pistons owners supporting him which gives him the ability to find the right players. He has made it to the NBA Finals before with a star center and productive role players. Let Van Gundy do his job, and the rest will eventually fall into place.
