Detroit Pistons: What is impact of Derrick Rose trade?

Playing time plentiful for Smith with Detroit Pistons?

This will not be an issue with the Detroit Pistons. With Killian Hayes out for the foreseeable future due to a hip injury, Smith Jr could reasonably be the day one starter for the Pistons from now on. Out of the active point guards on the roster (Delon Wright, Saben Lee, and Frank Jackson), the only player who could realistically start over Smith Jr is Wright, who has been a consistent figure in Casey’s starting lineups.

Who knows though?

A big reason why coach Dwane Casey liked Wright starting was because he absolutely loved Rose coming off of the bench. Maybe, with Smith Jr’s arrival, Wright gets pushed to the bench?

Whether Smith Jr is the day one starter for the Pistons or if he comes off the bench with the second unit, one thing is for certain that the Pistons have acquired another amazing young talented point guard that at 23, has the potential to become a franchise point guard for the Pistons down the line.

All you have to do is watch a fraction of one highlight reel to see the immense potential seeping through the game of Smith Jr. Let’s also not forget that Smith Jr wowed fans with his insane athleticism in the 2018 dunk contest!

Rose will be missed very much as he was an amazing player both on and off the court that any NBA roster would be lucky to have.

However, Rose did not fit the Pistons long term plan, and was likely going to leave soon anyhow with his contract expiring at the completion of this NBA season.

Trading Rose for yet another young talented point guard with star potential as well as draft picks is an absolute slam dunk for the team!

The front office did an amazing job getting a valuable return for Rose. Let’s all hope that the change of scenery proves to be what Smith Jr needs and that the Pistons can help him unlock some of that immense potential that he possesses!