How Good Can the Pistons Be?

When thinking of the Detroit Pistons, I immediately think of when they beat my Lakers, in the 2004 finals. Additionally, I think of the smash mouth defenses they had with Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace (as well as the Malice at the Palace). The point I’m trying to make is that the past few seasons in Detroit are forgotten. Everyone knows they were awful, but other than those Detroit fans, no one really cares.

After another dismal season, the Detroit Pistons drafted Kentavious Caldwell-Pope with the 8th pick and signed free agent SF/PF Josh Smith. I believe Smith is a great player, even though he may take some questionable shots. He is an outstanding defender and rebounder to go along with his explosive dunking. The problem with this signing is that the Pistons already have PF Andre Drummond and C Greg Monroe; neither of these players can spread the floor well. The combination of those two players and Josh Smith can and will cause serious problems. JSmoove is going to be forced to shoot outside shots, which he simply cannot hit but loves to attempt. The Pistons are going to struggle heavily to score with this front three.

Courtesy: USA Today

Now recently, the Pistons have completed a sign and trade deal to send PG Brandon Jennings to Detroit, in exchange for Brandon Knight and a couple others players. I think this deal is much better for the team, than the Josh Smith signing (if you can’t tell, I’m a big fan of Jennings). Even though he shot just under 40% last season, Jennings really does have good range and a great passer. I firmly believe he can run a team, if surrounded by the proper players.

The reason Jennings shot poorly last year is because he had to shoot. Who else was going to score for the Bucks? Monta Ellis and JJ Redick are the only other scorers on that team. They were doomed from the beginning.

If I were the GM of the Pistons, I would send out Greg Monroe and try to get a small forward to be able to move Andre Drummond to center and Josh Smith to power forward. This would leave the Pistons with a starting lineup of Jennings, Caldwell-Pope, (Insert Name Here) SF, Smith, and Drummond, with Chauncey Billups as the sixth man.

With this current team I don’t see Detroit being too much better than .500. They are going to struggle to score, unless they ship out Monroe. Expect Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings to not shoot high percentages for the sole reason of taking forced outside shots. However if they are able to complete and trade for maybe an Otto Porter type player, this team can be a 47 or 48 win team.