Signings of Billups and Bynum Create A Crowded Pistons Backcourt

DETROIT, Mich. -- It was just a few days ago that we all wondered what the Pistons were going to do at the point guard position. Today we found that answer when the team signed free agent, Chauncey Billups. That's right, Mr. Big Shot Billups is back in Detroit. Joe Dumars signed Billups to a two-year contract worth $5 million. Along with Billups, the Pistons also brought backup point guard, Will Bynum back with a two-year contract worth $6 million.

Thursday's news of Chauncey Billups signing with the
Pistons came as a shock to most Pistons fans.
Picture Courtesy: 2ksports.com

Sure, these signings answered some of our questions about the point guard position, but now there are even more questions about the Detroit guards. Prior to these signings, Brandon Knight was projected to start at point guard, but now? There is a lot of debate whether Knight will remain at point guard or change back to his better position at shooting guard. Along with that question comes the question of what the team does with Rodney Stuckey. Stuckey's large contract presents a lot of problems for Joe Dumars and the Pistons because teams won't be willing to take on his large salary. 

A few weeks ago with the 56th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the Pistons selected Louisville point guard, Peyton Siva. Now what? Siva has looked great thus far in the Pistons summer league, including nine assists and seven steals during a 78-77 win over the Miami Heat on Thursday. However, will there be room on the roster for Siva? Some say no. With Knight, Bynum, and Billups all getting time at point guard, Siva won't get many minutes if he makes the big club. Since Kim English is having a rough summer on the court and with the added depth at the guard spots, I don't expect English to make the squad.

With English off the squad as I expect, one more player will need to be cut. The candidates to be cut for me would be Khris Middleton or Peyton Siva, which will be interesting to see how it turns out. Middleton played well as a role player late in the season last year, but is more of a small forward than a guard. 

My solution for this? Trade Rodney Stuckey! We all know he doesn't enjoy playing in Detroit, and he seems to have a problem with head coaches in Detroit as well. However, the issue with that is Stuckey is due $8.5 million over this upcoming season, the final year of his contract. Not many teams would be willing to take on nearly $9 million for a player who averaged 11.5 points and 3.6 assists last season. Without suitable trade partners, it looks as if Siva won't make the Pistons roster, which is a shame due to how great he is looking over the summer.

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