Stan Van Gundy’s moves this offseason probably won’t excite many Detroit Pistons fans. But what he’s doing is finally putting together a squad best suited to his style of basketball.
Detroit–more or less–traded Greg Monroe for Ersan Illyasova who should be a better fit next to Andre Drummond. They missed on the high priced, starting caliber small forwards and instead traded for Marcus Morris. As the cap increases his five million per year will look more and more like a bargain.
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The Pistons passed on Justise Winslow to select Stanley Johnson. There were a lot of doubters– count myself as one of them– but it’s hard to argue with the start Johnson has made to his professional career.
Detroit is paying Aron Baynes $20 million over the next three years which may or may not be an overpay, but the player-option at the end of the deal is a little puzzling. Still, they filled a need with a player that comes from a winning culture and should provide a positive influence in the locker room and on the court.
There has been a lot of talk about Reggie Jackson’s $80 million deal. Based on his performances in Detroit, There is a good chance he will be considered one of the more more adequately priced free agents over the course of his contract instead of one of the more overpriced guys that some think he is. He was arguably one of the 10-best point guards at the end of last season, though the sample size is admittedly small.
With the additions of Ilyasova, Morris, and Johnson, the Pistons have added shooters around Jackson and Andre Drummond, and depth at their greatest weakness a season ago, small forward.
I’ve glanced over what other Eastern Conference teams have been able to achieve over the same period and compiled a list of teams that I believe should be a lock to make the playoffs out of the East.
Based on my analysis there are seven teams that should be several wins ahead of whoever it is that takes the final position in the playoffs. In no particular order.
Next: Cleveland Cavaliers