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Detroit Pistons backup center options for 2019-20

By Brendan Triola

Detroit Pistons Thon Maker. (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
Detroit Pistons Thon Maker. (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – FEBRUARY 27: Jose Calderon #81 of the Detroit Pistons and Pau Gasol #16 of the San Antonio Spurs talk before the game on February 27, 2019 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – FEBRUARY 27: Jose Calderon #81 of the Detroit Pistons and Pau Gasol #16 of the San Antonio Spurs talk before the game on February 27, 2019 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Free Agents Veterans

The Pistons have had reported interest in many centers this offseason, including JaVale McGee and Kosta Koufos. McGee waited on the Lakers to strike out on Kawhi Leonard, and quickly resigned with his team from last season.

Koufos decided to forego interested NBA teams and play in the EuroLeague, where he’ll be the highest paid American next year according to Yahoo!’s Chris Haynes.

Another veteran the Pistons have had reported interest in is Pau Gasol. He missed the playoff with the Milwaukee Bucks due to a stress fracture in his left foot, but he is expected to be healthy by training camp.

Gasol certainly doesn’t rely on his athleticism, and he shot the three well last year, converting 46 percent of his attempts. He could provide a veteran presence on the team, but it is fair to question how many productive years of basketball he has left.

Last season, the Pistons were burned by veterans Jose Calderon and Pachulia being relied on too heavily. If they go in the Gasol direction, they will need to limit his minutes to ensure that he can be effective throughout the entire season.

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