Detroit Pistons Off-Season Storylines

Josh Smith has been one of the most targeted
free agents this off-season, and the Pistons
have been one of the most active teams
pursuing him.
Picture Courtesy: USA Today

COACHING CHANGE - It's no secret that the Detroit Pistons needed a change. Coming off of a 29-53 season, the city of Detroit were looking for change. SOME of that change came with the firing of head coach, Lawrence Frank. After hiring Maurice Cheeks as Frank's replacement just a few weeks later, it became time to focus on the NBA Draft.

NBA DRAFT - Detroit waited patiently at eighth overall, unaware of what would happen ahead of them during the first seven picks. However, when the eighth overall pick arrived, there were several tremendous players remaining on the board. Aware of the need for a small forward or a true point guard, several people expected the pick to be Michigan point guard, Trey Burke. However, that's not where Joe Dumars chose to go. Instead, it was Georgia shooting guard, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. After selecting Caldwell-Pope, speculation started to arise with questions of Brandon Knight's future.

BRANDON KNIGHT'S FUTURE - Former 8th overall pick, Brandon Knight was said to be the shooting guard of the future in Detroit, according to team president, Joe Dumars. However, the team decided to draft a shooting guard in this year's draft, leaving questions about the 22 year-old guard. According to team sources, Brandon Knight is currently the team's starting point guard, unless they make more acquisitions. Jose Calderon started at point guard last season in Detroit, but all indications are that he'll be moved before the start of the season.

JOSE CALDERON'S FUTURE - Today's news of Dwight Howard signing with the Houston Rockets has more effect on Detroit than you may think. It has been reported several times that Howard would love to play with Calderon, and that it may be an under-the-table agreement between Howard and the Rockets front office. If Calderon is traded to the Rockets, the Pistons could end up with point guard, Jeremy Lin in return. I expect Calderon to be moved to Houston, but the returning player(s) are up in the air.

OFF-SEASON TARGETS - Former Nuggets forward, Andre Iguodala was a heavily targeted free agent for the Detroit Pistons this off-season, which made the news of his signing with Golden State hurt that much more. Iguodala agreed to terms on a four-year, $48 million deal with the Warriors, which should lead to a more aggressive hunt for Josh Smith in Detroit. Smith is a quiet star in the NBA and averaged 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists last season with the Atlanta Hawks. Smith met with the Detroit Pistons for five hours when free agency began, and has shown interest in the Pistons. However, if Detroit were to bring in Josh Smith, the team would be limited from making anymore off-season trades and signings. Another big option for the Pistons organization is Raptors forward, Rudy Gay. Gay has quietly become a star as well in the NBA. While targeting Josh Smith and Andre Iguodala, the Pistons also made a trade offer to Toronto for Rudy Gay. The Pistons reportedly offered the expiring contracts of Rodney Stuckey and Charlie Villanueva, which was promptly declined. The Raptors have said that Gay and his $35 million salary over the next two seasons will be available, but for the right price. Another big time possible acquisition for the Pistons would be Celtics point guard, Rajon Rondo. After the Boston Celtics traded Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Brooklyn Nets, the Pistons immediately got on the phone and made their interest in Rondo known. Boston would be unlikely to give up the 27 year-old Rondo due to his manageable $11 million salary and young age. However, if the Pistons were to sign Josh Smith, either Greg Monroe or Andre Drummond could become available in a trade due to the need for a point guard.

BOTTOM LINE - Detroit is being proactive this off-season, which is definitely something to get excited about if you're a Detroit Pistons fan. Even though I disagree with the draft pick of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, if they can place a star like Rudy Gay, Josh Smith, or Rajon Rondo next to the dangerous duo of Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe, the Pistons should be able to contend for a seven or eight seed in the Eastern Conference, something that they haven't been able to do for several seasons. However, let's not put the wagon in front of the horse, the deals still need to be made. The holes at point guard and small forward are still as large as any in the NBA right now.




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