The Detroit Pistons will have to get creative in free agency, and that means taking some risks.
With free agency set to open on October 18th, the Detroit Pistons will look to build off of whoever they end up selecting in the draft. The Pistons will have plenty of money to spend, which opens up dozens of potential options.
Now that they’re in a rebuild, they’re going to have to take some risks. In order to properly navigate this process, teams often pull off a lot of “wow, why would they do that” type of moves. Ones that frustrate the fans and don’t always pan out.
But in the event that they do, taking risks on players who may just need a change of scenery in order to pan out is exactly what Detroit will need to do. Buying low on free agents and draft candidates will likely be the main vessel through which the Pistons pull off their rebuild.
Honorable mention: Harry Giles
Harry Giles likely doesn’t fit under the umbrella of “buying low”. In fact, he could in all likelihood end up being a best case scenario if Detroit is able to sign him this fall. If he’s able to stay healthy, he’d be a home run.
After the Kings declined his team option for 2021 earlier this year, the assumption has been that he’ll sign with a new team once he its the market. The Pistons need to additional front court depth alongside Christian Wood, and Giles would be a perfect match.
An energizer, a quality rebounder, and an ever improving rim protector, Giles found himself in a difficult situation this passed year in Sacramento. Often buried in the rotation behind Richaun Holmes, Dewayne Dedmon, and Alex Len, Giles didn’t get enough opportunity to grow.
With Detroit, he could potentially be a day one starter. Again, not necessarily considering “buying low”, but he does come with the risk of re-injury.