Detroit Pistons boss on NBA free agency and not tanking

Detroit Pistons general manager Troy Weaver recently had a press availability for the first time since he was hired over the summer. Among the topics were: the impending free agency period, and would the team ‘tank’ this season.

With currently only one draft pick (No. 7 overall), the Detroit Pistons will need to dip into the free agent market and also look at trades to help strengthen the roster.

Coming off a 20-46 record, and with next year’s draft and free agent class considered stronger, would it be strategically in the Pistons best interest to tank this year?

And what about Christian Wood? The Pistons late-season hero is an unrestricted free agent.

You can hear the full press conference here, courtesy of the Free Press.

Here are Weaver’s answers, with additional analysis.

2020 free agency

The Pistons have over $30 million in cap space to spend if they so choose.

"“We plan on talking to guys we are very interested in and leveraging cap space for assets,” said Weaver. “It is a juggling act with being competitive, tied into not tying us up for the future.”"

What it means: Weaver wants to avoid the classic NBA trap of long-term, big-money deal for slightly above average player. It would probably be only a one-year deal if they sign an older player. But if he sees a player who fits in long-term, he will not be afraid to go after him.

Weaver also says he is open to taking on bad contracts, if the price is right. With few teams having cap space this year, Detroit could get some attractive offers in a salary dump.

Tank or no tank

Although former Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie’s ‘The Process’ is the most famous ‘tanking’ an NBA team did for high draft picks, he is far from the only one.

Weaver was asked if the Pistons would now field a bad team or purpose with an eye to the future, or try and be competitive this season.

"Both things on the table. Nothing has changed from being competitive. If that changes, I won’t be around here. But we will try to be competitive without short-cutting long-term goals. Looking at both as goals."

What it means: Weaver comes from Oklahoma City. This year was supposed to be a ‘down’ year, after trading away Russell Westbrook. However, the Thunder finished fourth in the tough Western Conference. They took the Houston Rockets to seven games in the playoffs.

Until the season starts, you never know how a team will respond. So Weaver will be looking to improve the team for the present, as long as he does not have to give up anything that would hurt long-term.

So no tank.

Christian Wood

There was not much positive at the end of last year, as the Pistons dropped 12 of their last 13 games.

One of the few bright spots was center/forward Christian Wood.

In Detroit’s last 22 games, Wood scored over 20 points nine times and over 30 twice. In what turned out to be the Pistons final game, Wood scored 32 points against the 76ers. It would have been interesting to see if Wood would have continued his hot streak, if not for the stoppage.

Wood was an unlikely standout. He barely made the team and in mid-December did not even play in some games. Since not much was expected of him, the Pistons had only signed him to a one-year, veteran minimum contract. His salary for the whole season was not even guaranteed until January.

Wood is now a free agent. Weaver would like to have him back, if the price is right.

"“He is someone we have a strong interest in, absolutely. Do I have a number in my head? I always have a number in my head. We’ll see how it works with Christian and his representatives.”"

What it means: Do they want Wood back? Yes, but if it gets too pricey, they may drop out. Considering this is a weak free agent class, Wood is probably going to get paid more, by someone, this year than if he was a free agent in 2021.

Team readiness

Until a couple of weeks ago, most NBA figures thought next season would begin in mid-January at the earliest and, possibly, as late as March. But the league office announced it was going to start the season December 22 to avoid conflict with the Olympics and lower summer viewing.

"“Whenever we say we can play, we’ll be ready. We’ve been off for a while. We’re chomping at the bit. My preference is, whenever we can play. As early as possible.”"

What that means: Detroit has had no meaningful action since March 11. Weaver, coach Dwane Casey and the returning Pistons are ready for action. Who will join them will be discovered by the end of the month.