Detroit Pistons Off-Season Grades: Preseason Edition
Give them a solid for these moves
Here are the off-season transactions the Detroit Pistons mad that I think are solid.
Acquired Tony Bradley and a second round pick (Saben Lee) from Utah: B+
These are the moves I was begging Troy Weaver to make this summer. Time to use the cap space to acquire additional picks. The Pistons did just that, and took a flier on Saben Lee, who replaces Jordan Bone as a project point guard, taking up a two-way spot.
Lee didn’t show a whole lot in the preseason, but his body and speed show they could belong at the NBA level. A low risk, medium-reward move.
Signed Wayne Ellington (1 year/minimum): B+
I know….we don’t love Dwane Casey’s rotations, and we certainly didn’t love Ellington getting minutes over the young guys in the preseason, but this was a very solid signing.
For a team severely lacking in shooting, the Pistons bring back Ellington on a one-year, minimum contract. Looking ahead, the Pistons could very well move on from Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin at some point this season, so having an experienced veteran like Ellington hold down the mentorship fort through the end of the season is invaluable. Definitely worth it for what they are paying him.
The Detroit Pistons sign Wayne Ellington for a second stint. light. Related Story
Signed Jerami Grant (3 years/$60M) B-
I like Jerami Grant a lot. He’s an incredibly talented, versatile defender and a good shooter. Would he have been a much better signing if the Pistons weren’t rebuilding? Yes. Is he slightly overpaid? Probably.
But _ at absolute worst, he’s a trade chip in a year or two. At best, he makes the Pistons competitive (but not too competitive) over the next of couple seasons and is a great compliment to the rebuild.
Thinking of the fun defensively between Grant, Jackson, Sekou Doumbouya and Saddiq Bey on the wings is exciting. With a team stacking up young, athletic wings, the young players could learn a great deal, and benefit from playing with him. The guy did just go toe-to-toe with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Grant came for a bigger offensive role and while he hasn’t inspired great confidence he’s ready for that, this was still a solid signing.
Signed Deividas Sirvydis (3 years/minimum): Incomplete
Sure, why not!