Detroit Pistons: Derrick Rose is gone. What’s next?
By Ethan Wolfe
Detroit Pistons: Can Dennis Smith Jr. help the Pistons?
The first thing the Detroit Pistons need to do, identify how Smith can contribute. His time with the Knicks was subpar, especially since he was limited with injuries in his two-plus seasons there.
He has only played in three games this year and his per-game stats nosedived the season before. He went from averaging 15 points and 5.2 assists his rookie year to just 5.5 points and 2.9 assists.
However, people forget that this guy has the pedigree to be a player in this league.
He was still a contributor for the Mavericks and a vital piece included in the Kristaps Porzingis deal. Smith can get to the bucket and shows promise as a passer, and has quick hands to disrupt ball-handlers on defense.
The Knicks must have thought he was good (not that they are the greatest evaluators of talent) as they wanted him as the centerpiece of the Porzingis trade.
He was also 2nd-team All-Rookie for the Mavs and really looked like a top prospect before the Knicks took over and ruined him.
What can he do for the Detroit Pistons?
He can replace Rose for starters, that’s as much as the Pistons should expect right now while having less money on the books.
He will get a chance to prove himself and if he can turn it around the Rose deal suddenly looks much better.
And if Smith can’t shift into another gear, Detroit can cut bait next season with no penalty.