Detroit Pistons: Reggie Jackson, Andre Drummond, or neither?
The Detroit Pistons have a big offseason ahead. After a disappointing season that saw the Pistons take many steps back, they now have the tough task of trying to right the ship, and move forward. That may involve moving on from the big two–Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond.
The Detroit Pistons need to get better quickly if they are going to meet both internal and external expectation. The question is, how do you do that with poorly positioned draft capital and limited cap space?
When that’s the position your in, the only way to get better is to make smart decisions, both in the draft and in the trade market, with the latter being of the most importance.
In most trade scenarios, you have to give up quality assets to get quality assets, that is, unless your the Sacramento Kings.
Though Stan Van Gundy has been able to capitalize on teams looking to create cap space, those days are largely gone. I think this is the first offseason Van Gundy is forced to make a move that requires him to give up a piece he considers long-term.
Probably the most marketable asset is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Let’s go ahead and get one thing clear–he is not available.
Stanley Johnson has some marketability as well, but Van Gundy would be wise to keep him thanks to his low cap hit and upside.
That leaves two players left, two polarizing, but talented players, Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond.
So, my question to you is this: If you are the Pistons, who are you most comfortable losing–Jackson, Drummond, or neither?
My answer? I’m good losing either player for the right price. I think Jackson has to net shooting help or a first round pick. The same with Drummond, though the first rounder needs to be a top-five pick or future pick that should land in that area.
My reasoning is simple. I think the Pistons are better off getting younger and handing the reins to Caldwell-Pope, Johnson, and Henry Ellenson. Adding in top-tier talent through the draft that trading Drummond could potentially acquire, and the Pistons’ future suddenly looks much brighter.
Moreover, Jackson has serious long-term health issues and Drummond likely has no chances of masking his crippling weaknesses.
That said, the things Drummond does do well, he does exceptionally well. He’s also young and locked up long-term. That’s something that the Pistons can’t afford to let walk for next to nothing.
Next: Detroit Pistons show interest in Zach Collins
That’s my take, what’s yours?