After winning against the Hawks on Thursday night, the Detroit Pistons are currently tied for sixth in the Eastern Conference. However losing seven of their last eight, the Pistons may need a boost to the team.
The Jekyll and Hyde Detroit Pistons are in full-form to start the season.
Ascending the ranks of the Eastern Conference and putting the usual contenders on notice with early season wins over the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Pistons were forcing fans to once again drink the dreaded Pistons kool-aid.
But as soon as fans swallowed the first sip sip of said kool-aid, the Pistons fell hard. Losing seven straight, all hope was lost. Fans were calling for Stan Van Gundy’s firing, even after placing him the Coach of the Year spotlight only weeks prior. Reggie Jackson was the beneficiary of much criticism for playing too much “hero-ball” despite winning games prior with the same mentality.
However, there is one player that has been consistently under-performing this season. Stanley Johnson, noted-brick layer, is currently posting a career low three point percentage and although he’s been known for adding defensive versatility, he has the has looked lost at times on defense. For perspective, the Pistons’ defensive rating is 7.3 points better with Johnson off the court. Many, including myself, have questioned Johnson’s fit on the current Pistons roster.
So when you question a fit on a struggling team, what do you do?
*revs engine*
You fire up the trade machine.
Here are three outlandish trade scenarios the Pistons could consider going forward:
Pistons Add a Scoring Punch
Jon Leuer from first half of 2016 is merely a faint memory. Injured since Halloween, the Pistons have thrived without Leuer on the court. However the Bulls could use future assets in a 2018 Detroit 1st rounder in exchange for taking on a “salary dump.” The Bulls could also use a young defender in Stanley Johnson, as they currently rank 21st in the league for team defensive rating.
The Pistons would add a younger and better version of Jon Leuer in Bobby Portis. Portis would provide much needed rebounding to a second unit devoid of a big man who possesses that trait. He also is shooting 38.9 percent from beyond the arc – a number that Jon Leuer can only dream of. Imagining a shooter of Portis’ quality with Ish Smith darting in and out of the paint looking to kick it to the outside is making my mouth water.
Portis has recently had scuffles with teammates so he may be looking for an exit from Chicago. Stan Van Gundy has taken advantage of such situations (i.e. Marcus Morris) and Bulls General Manager Gar Forman seems especially fleece-able.
Pistons Finally Add a Star
Pistons fans around the world have dreamed of scenarios where the Pistons could bring in a star. Being a small-market without much to offer, Detroit has often drawn the short straw when it comes to attracting big name players. Trades seem to be likeliest scenario for bringing in a star, and this trade does just that.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are experiencing some major growing pains. Both Paul George and Carmelo Anthony have found that playing with Russell Westbrook is very unique compared to playing with “normal” point guards. Anthony hasn’t been able to find his rhythm this season and George has been adequate, but with the Thunder currently sitting at the 8th seed in a difficult Western Conference it might be best if they moved George for future assets.
It will be difficult letting go of Luke Kennard, but I believe that he has a very limited ceiling. He’ll never have the star potential that Donovan Mitchell is currently displaying in Utah (*sigh*), and although he is performing very well this season it may be worth it for the Pistons to sell high and finally acquire a much-needed star.
Pistons Acquire Sniper
Earlier this season, your Detroit Pistons ranked in the top three for three point shooting. However, that has all changed. During the last eight games, the Pistons have laid more bricks than the even the finest construction workers – ranking 21st in the league for three point shooting. In this trade, the Pistons would acquire one of the best three point shooters in the league. At 25 years old, Rodney Hood could easily step into the void that Stanley Johnson would create with this trade and thrive in it. At 6’8″, his defensive potential is through the roof and there wouldn’t be much of a drop-off defensively.
The youth movement has begun in Salt Lake City. With Donovan Mitchell playing beyond his years, there seems to be a bit of a logjam at the shooting guard position. Shipping Hood out would not only provide more playing time for Mitchell, it would allow for the Jazz to avoid extending Hood beyond this season because his contract is up after this year.
Next: Pistons FINALLY Snap Losing Streak
Stanley Johnson and Henry Ellenson would see substantial playing time in Utah, and the thought of Stanley Johnson, Donovan Mitchell, Ricky Rubio, and Rudy Gobert on the court together is downright terrifying.