Detroit Pistons updated roster with Joe Johnson signing

Detroit Pistons Blake Griffin and Joe Johnson competing in a 2017 NBA game. (Photo by Cem Ozdel/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Detroit Pistons Blake Griffin and Joe Johnson competing in a 2017 NBA game. (Photo by Cem Ozdel/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
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Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons Bruce Brown. (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)

Shooting Guards

The Starter

Bruce Brown – Guaranteed contract ($1.4 million)

Brown was impressive defensively for the Pistons. After being selected in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft, the rookie started 56 of 74 games. He’s regarded as the best on-ball defender for the Pistons but was an offensive liability, shooting 39.8 percent from the floor and 25.8 percent from 3-point range.

Even as a starter, Brown’s minutes were limited to around 20 per game. If he improves his offensive game, he’ll earn more time.

The Shooter

Luke Kennard – Guaranteed contract ($3.8 million)

The third-year guard was impressive in the 2019 NBA Playoffs and has some staggering splits when playing with and without Blake Griffin. Perhaps he’s best-suited to come off the bench but could, and probably should, see a bump in minutes.

In two seasons, he has shot an impressive 40.3 percent from 3-point range. He’s been balanced on both ends of the court with 2.4 offensive win shares and 2.7 defensive win shares.

The Question Mark

Langston Galloway – Guaranteed contract ($7 million)

Galloway played in 80 contests a season ago but his future in Detroit is uncertain. His expiring contract is a great trade asset if the Pistons want to make a splash for a big name or a key player that adds depth.

As long as he remains a Piston, he’ll likely see minutes. He shot 35.5 percent from 3-point range last season, the second best perimeter efficiency of his career.

A Prospect

Khryi Thomas – Guaranteed contract ($1.3 million)

Thomas struggled in his rookie season, shooting 28.6 percent from 3-point range. He was a career 40.9 percent shooter in three seasons at Creighton but had a tough time adjusting, playing just 23 games last season.

Thomas is likely squeezed out of the rotation with the offseason additions, provided Galloway remains on the roster. Expect Thomas to further develop with the Grand Rapids Drive.

The Stash

Deividas Sirvydis – (Won’t come over but Pistons own his draft rights)

Sirvydis was selected 37th overall and then traded to the Pistons during the 2019 NBA Draft. He will be staying overseas to continue to work on his game. The Lithuanian product is a solid shooter but admits that he needs to work on his strength, among other things, with the hopes of coming over to the NBA as early as next season.