Detroit Pistons: What’s been the best move in SVG Era?

The Detroit Pistons had a nice break in the action which gave us a chance to reflect and analyze. Over the last couple of days, we have done so by evaluating all of Stan Van Gundy’s moves, and deciding which ones where his best as President of Basketball operations. Today’s post will cover his best move overall.

With a break in the schedule, we decided it would be a fun exercise to evaluate all of Stan Van Gundy’s moves, pick his top few from each category–free agent signings, draft picks, and trades–and then evaluate which of those was his best move overall as President of Basketball Operations with the Detroit Pistons.

We’ve analyzed the Detroit Pistons free agent moves, draft picks, and trades in the Stan Van Gundy era.

Today, we will take a look at which move was his best overall.

Tuesday, Best free agent signings in Stan Van Gundy era.
Wednesday, Best draft picks in Stan Van Gundy era.
Thursday, Best trades in Stan Van Gundy era.
Friday, Best overall move in Stan Van Gundy era.

Before we continue, below is a list of each of the finalists for trades, free agent signings, and draft picks.

Free Agent signings:

Reggie Bullock two year/$5 million
Ish Smith three year/$18 million
D.J. Augustin, two year/$6 million
Aron Baynes, three year/$19.5 million with player option in year three

Draft Picks:
Spencer Dinwiddie, second round, pick 38
Stanley Johnson, first round, pick eight
Henry Ellenson, first round, pick 18
Luke Kennard, first round, pick 12

Trades:

Brandon Jennings, Ersan Illyasova for Tobias Harris
Second round pick for Marcus Morris, Danny Granger, Reggie Bullock
Two second round picks for Reggie Jackson
Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, Boban Marjanovic, first round pick for Blake Griffin

And of this list, here are my selections/finalists for best move overall in the Stan Van Gundy era:

Best Free Agent Signing: Reggie Bullock two year/$5 million

Best Draft Pick: Stanley Johnson, first round, pick eight

Best Trade: Brandon Jennings, Ersan Illyasova for Tobias Harris

So what is the best move overall for the Pistons in the Stan Van Gundy era?

My take?

These are three stellar moves by Van Gundy, though I think many would argue against the Johnson pick.

Rightfully so, Van Gundy could have drafted Devin Booker instead of Johnson. While Booker is probably the better player now (though his opportunities have been more evident that Johnson’s), this is a fair argument today–though the gap might very well be much closer in the future.

I think the uncertain future of Johnson, paired with his rocky start eliminates him from the discussion.

That leaves the Tobias Harris trade and the signing of Reggie Bullock as the finalists for best move overall in the Van Gundy era.

Ultimately, I give the nod to the deal for Harris, as best move overall. Harris has grown into a borderline all-star, and may continue to keep getting better. Even if he doesn’t the trade for Harris netted the Pistons Blake Griffin (verdict is still out on this trade, but the talent is evident), and his presence helped propel the team to its first playoff series in half a decade.

Ask me again in a few years and my answer might change.

That’s my take, what’s yours?

Runner Up: Signing of Reggie Bullock two year/$5 million