Detroit Pistons were wise to pass on D’Angelo Russell
The Detroit Pistons made the correct choice to not make a deal sending the 12th pick in this year’s draft to the Los Angeles Lakers for D’Angelo Russell.
The NBA is fully into what is known as “silly season.” Players are on the move, rumors are flying, and preposterous contracts will soon be handed out. While the temptation is to dive into this dangerous current, the Detroit Pistons have thus far remained on the sidelines.
Most recently, there was news that the Los Angeles Lakers were shopping guard D’Angelo Russell in hopes of landing a lottery pick. Conveniently, your Detroit Pistons happen to be sitting with the number 12 overall pick in the draft.
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Of course, Pistons fans immediately began talking themselves into Russell being the next Chris Paul. The infamous Piston Powered group chat was no exception. But the Pistons wisely decided that Russell was not worth the 12th pick. This was the correct decision for a number of reasons.
First, there have been rumblings about Russell’s attitude and personality being difficult. Second, he has been a mediocre shooter. A point guard hitting 40.5 percent overall and 35 percent from three? No thank you. There is also his essentially non-existent defense to consider. Finally, Russell missed significant time last year with a knee injury, a red flag for a guard who is already not an elite NBA athlete.
An average-at-best shooter who can’t (or won’t) guard and has a questionable attitude? No thanks. Apparently the rest of the lottery thought so as well.
But he’s only 21, was in a bad situation in Los Angeles, and has shown some upside! Granted, he could still turn out to be a good player, but he was not a fit for the Pistons. As currently constructed, the Pistons aren’t built to trade away a lottery pick for a player with Russell’s shortcomings.
Next: Pistons passed on D'Angelo Russell, what can we glean?
The Brooklyn Nets, on the other hand, are playing with house money. They are in the early stages of a long rebuild and can better afford the risk. It’s understandable to be frustrated with the Pistons’ current state, but you’ll be thankful when Russell is bricking his way to another disappointing season next year.