Every offseason is important, but the Detroit Pistons are facing one of their most pivotal in franchise history.
They have a long decision tree ahead as they attempt to turn a new page in their rebuild and snap their NBA-leading 15-year drought without a playoff win. They have a head coaching vacancy, a top-five draft pick and money to spend. The potential is there for them to make the leap they want next season, if they nail their decisions over the next few months.
Here’s what the Pistons need to do to earn an “A” offseason grade.
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Hire the right coach
While the team is expected to take its time with the head coaching search, it might be the first significant domino to fall this offseason. The team is at a crossroads — its three 2020 draft picks are extension eligible and the team will have a top pick and significant cap space this summer. They need a coach who can simultaneously develop young talent and give the team an edge with on-court strategy.
It’s a desirable job, despite the Pistons’ 17-65 record this season. Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren and other young players will be in position to improve, and barring trades, the team will have good veterans returning who can help maintain a stable locker room. General manager Troy Weaver should have a strong list of candidates to choose from after conducting interviews.
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Take the best player available in the draft
Depending on how the May 16 draft lottery shakes out, the Pistons will either have an easy or tough selection to make during the June 22 draft in Brooklyn. French phenom Victor Wembanyama is the clear top prospect, and G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson and Alabama wing Brandon Miller will likely go second or third depending on team priorities. After that, it’s an open field.
The Pistons have invested most of their recent draft capital into guards and big men, and February’s trade of Saddiq Bey for James Wiseman saw them double down on their commitment to developing a dynamic frontcourt. They shouldn’t let their current roster construction dictate their draft night selection. Wembanyama is simply too good to not draft with the first pick. And while Miller fits a clear need as an outside shooter, Henderson should still be the pick at No. 2 if the front office believes in his long-term upside.
If the Pistons drop to No. 4 (12% chance) or No. 5 (47.9%), there will be far more flexibility as far as who the “best player” is. Overtime Elite twins Amen and Ausar Thompson, and Houston forward Jarace Walker have consistently been projected as top-six prospects, but every team’s draft board will have significant variance outside of the top-three. This draft will be yet another test for the Pistons’ ability to scout talent if they drop in the lottery.
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Use free agency to upgrade wing defense, shooting
Detroit was one of the NBA’s worst defensive teams last season, allowing opposing teams to score 117.8 points per 100 possessions — the fourth-worst mark in the league. It could move up next season simply through continued player development. Isaiah Stewart and Isaiah Livers are plus defenders. Ivey, Duren, Cunningham and Killian Hayes have the tools to be difference-makers there too.
Regardless, the Pistons will need outside help too. Weaver pinpointed perimeter defense as a clear need, as well as shooting. Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant, an unrestricted free agent after completing the three-year, $60 million contract he signed with the Pistons in 2020, would check both boxes and has a strong relationship with Weaver.
After Grant, free agency options aren’t as enticing. But there are still players who fit. The Pistons could make a run at Brooklyn Nets restricted free agent wing Cameron Johnson, a career 39.3% outside shooter who can defend multiple positions. Boston Celtics free agent stretch big Grant Williams is another option.
The Pistons could be roughly $30 million under the salary cap entering free agency, depending on what happens in the draft.
Don’t overcommit with rookie extensions
The Pistons beginning in July will have extension decisions to make on 2020 first-rounders Hayes, Stewart and Wiseman. The team will be able to negotiate extensions until the day before the 2023-24 season starts. If they don’t sign extensions in time, they will enter restricted free agency in 2024. Of the three, Stewart appears to be the most likely to secure his immediate future in Detroit.
Stewart is the Pistons’ best and most versatile defensive big, an emerging outside shooter and locker room leader. Bigs who can knock down 3-pointers and handle multiple defensive assignments are more valuable in the playoffs than during the regular season. The Pistons are believers in Stewart’s growth and have incentive to lock him in on a team-friendly deal, rather than risk letting the market set his value even higher a year from now.
Wiseman and Hayes are less proven, though the team prioritized trading for Wiseman in February and view him as a building block. Is it worth extending him for the right price now? It could be more logical for both sides to let the former second overall pick prove himself next season and then figure out his future in free agency next summer.
Hayes’ outlook is murkier. He doesn’t have a clear path to being one of their minutes leaders next season due to his lack of growth as a scorer, and Cunningham and Ivey ahead of him. There’s a solid chance the Pistons will add another ball-handler with their upcoming draft pick. They can wait with Hayes and weigh their options later.
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Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @omarisankofa.