The Pistons used this summer to acquire players that fit Stan Van Gundy’s style of offense.
In:
Marcus Morris: via trade
Ersan Ilyasova: via trade
Danny Granger: via trade
Steve Blake: via trade
Reggie Bullock: via trade
Aron Baynes: free agency
Adonis Thomas: free agency
Out:
Greg Monroe (signed for Milwaukee)
Tayshaun Price (free agency)
John Lucas III (free agency)
Draft:
Stanley Johnson: 8th overall
Darrun Hilliard: 38th overall
Overview:
The Pistons were busy this summer revamping their roster into one suited for the Stan Van Gundy style of fun. They took advantage of teams looking to clear salary, first by acquiring Ersan Ilyasova from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Caron Butler and Shawnee Williams, who were both cut by the Bucks. Illyasova had injury problems last season, but is the ideal stretch four man for the Pistons offense. His 47.2 field goal percentage and 38.9 percent shooting from the 3-point last season will be welcomed by Van Gundy.
They also acquired Marcus Morris, Danny Granger, and Reggie Bullock from Phoenix in exchange for a future draft pick. The Suns were looking to clear space for LaMarcus Aldridge (whoops), and the Pistons were eager suitors. Morris (its fun to write only his last name) was the center piece of the trade — he can stretch the floor as a four man, and averaged 10.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season, mostly off the bench. While it would be fantastic if Granger could recapture his All-Star form from years past, its highly unlikely he plays anything more than a minor role in the rotation. Bullock, well, he fills out a roster spot. Finally, the Pistons swapped Quincy Miller for Steve Blake, who likely won’t see any playing time with Jennings still on the roster.
With the exception of Greg Monroe (more on him below), the Pistons upgraded their roster, particularly at the forward positions. They acquired big man Aron Baynes through free agency, and re-signed Joel Anthony, both of whom will add depth behind Drummond.
Stanley Johnson was selected 8th overall. Considering they passed on Justice Winslow, Johnson appears to be the guy they wanted all along. He’s an incredibly strong player who can defend multiple positions, and if he can develop his offensive game, could become very productive.
Most notably, the Pistons re-signed Reggie Jackson. The move itself is fine, Jackson was acquired via trade during last February’s trade deadline, but the price is another issue. Jackson signed a five-year, $80 million contract, which is an overpay even in this new salary cap era. To his credit, Jackson played well after the All-Star break, averaging 17.6 points (shooting 43.6 from the field), 9.2 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. He needs to improve his 3-point shooting, but he showed during the latter parts of last season that he is a starting caliber point guard. Will he live up to his contract? Probably not, but if Detroit can become a legit playoff team with Jackson as the starting point guard, the contract won’t really matter.
Part of the reason $80 million was available was because the Pistons opted not to re-sign Greg Monroe. Considered the center piece for the Pistons when he was drafted, it became increasingly clear that Drummond, not Monroe, would be the focal point of Van Gundy’s team. While both players are highly talented, they weren’t the best fit. Losing Monroe will hurt, but it also means Van Gundy can run the style of offense he wants.
Ultimately, the Pistons clearly got better. Their acquisitions weren’t high profile, but they were smart, and they fit the system Van Gundy wants to run.
Grade: B+
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