The Detroit Pistons are tanking behind strong play from their young players, but Deividas Sirvydis has yet to be a part of it.
This could all change soon, as the 20-year-old may end up becoming a part of the Pistons’ rotation after the trade deadline, when they could look like a much different team.
The Pistons have already put Blake Griffin on ice for an unlikely trade or possible buyout, and guys like Delon Wright, Wayne Ellington, Svi Mykhailiuk and even Mason Plumlee could be on the move before March 25th.
The Detroit Pistons have no reason to try and win this season, so will be looking for ways to secure the worst overall record in the NBA to increase their chances at the number one pick. The bottom three teams all have equal odds in the lottery but the worst team is guaranteed to stay in the top-five.
Since there is a consensus that there is a drop off after the top-five in this draft, getting that spot would almost guarantee that the Pistons land some impact talent even if they don’t get the number one overall.
Here is how Deividas Sirvydis could be a part of it and why we should see more minutes from the 20-year-old Lithuanian.
Detroit Pistons: The Pistons will crank up the tank
The Detroit Pistons have been bad this season but not bad enough, as they still only have the second-worst record in the NBA after the Timberwolves.
If you are going to tank, you may as well go all-in, which the Detroit Pistons will likely do by trading off some of their veterans at the deadline.
This could open up some minutes for Sirvydis, who has yet to really play this season. The combination of some open rotation spots and the desire to lose could mean we get a long look at Sirvydis in the second half of the season.
If the Pistons end up trading 4-5 players without taking many back, Sirvydis could find himself a role, especially with no G-League team to send him to for those reps.