The cap-strapped Detroit Pistons managed to make 10 moves this summer. Here’s how we grade the moves and insight on the impact of each move.
The Detroit Pistons had little financial room to work with and managed to improve their roster.
Detroit finished 41-41 during the 2018-19 season, securing the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. However, they would be swept by the Milwaukee Bucks with Pistons star Blake Griffin playing in two of the games due to a knee injury.
Turn the page and the Pistons have most of their money committed to Griffin, Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson for the upcoming season. Yet they seemingly got better, at least on paper.
Derrick Rose‘s resurgence led to a surprise signing with the Pistons, inking a two-year, $15 million contract to become the team’s backup point guard. It’s also a possibility that he plays alongside Jackson in a two-point guard lineup, which Dwane Casey featured leading the Toronto Raptors.
Veteran forward Markieff Morris comes to the Motor City in free agency, along with journeyman point guard Tim Frazier. Michael Beasley and Christian Wood are on non-guaranteed contracts.
The Pistons were busy around the 2019 NBA Draft, selecting Sekou Doumbouya with the 15th pick and, most notably, trading Jon Leuer for Tony Snell and the 30th overall pick.
It’s hard to say how the Pistons will shape up in the 2019-20 season. The biggest concern is going to be staying healthy for a roster full of experience but also injuries. Depth will be important.
All that being said, let’s break down each move and slap a grade on it.