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The Detroit Pistons have optionality with Thon Maker

By Stuart London

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 08: Thon Maker #7 of the Detroit Pistons brings the ball up court during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 8, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 08: Thon Maker #7 of the Detroit Pistons brings the ball up court during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 8, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Thon Maker should be part of the Pistons future

DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 10: Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets passes the ball while being guarded by Thon Maker #7 of the Detroit Pistons. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 10: Malik Monk #1 of the Charlotte Hornets passes the ball while being guarded by Thon Maker #7 of the Detroit Pistons. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

The Detroit Pistons might not regret letting go of Thon Maker today. Maybe not tomorrow … but soon.

There is a reason Maker was the 10th pick in 2016 draft. Now, that reason has only been occasionally shown to Pistons fans, but the reason has not gone away.

Athletic 7-footer’s who can shoot the ‘3’ , has a great work ethic and a 7-foot-3 wingspan do not grow on trees.

This is the perfect time for Detroit to lock up Maker, when his value is not that high.

You must remember that Maker is just 23-years-old and has only been involved in serious basketball for nine years.

You can look at players like Pascal Siakam and Giannis Antetokounmpo (both of whom were drafted lower then Maker). They are both of African ancestry who picked up the sport of basketball later than most Americans start.

Now, we are NOT saying Thon Maker will be as good as Siakam or Antetokounmpo. But the fact he picked up the game late means he still could have a big upside.

Do not forget that five-game stretch in February, after Andre Drummond was traded and more minutes were available at center. Maker averaged 13.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game during that time.

He was not able to maintain that level the remainder of the season, which is why there is a question about Maker’s future.

But the center position is currently wide open. You do not want to saddle Blake Griffin with dragging around Joel Embiid or Bam Adebayo every night. His best position is power forward.

Detroit, for the first time in a while, has salary cap space. That gives them the chance to take a bit of a gamble.

A smart move would be to talk to Maker’s agent. Instead of just the qualifying offer, how about a three-year deal worth about $10 million?

That gives some security to Maker and the Pistons are not shelling out big bucks. Importantly, it does buy them some time to see if Maker will live up to his draft position.

dark. Next. Former Detroit Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy named Pelicans coach

It would be a win, win situation.

Bringing back Maker could be a forward thinking move for Detroit.

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