The Detroit Pistons could be active at the trade deadline, which could leave them with a much-different roster and depth chart in the 2nd-half of the season.
The Detroit Pistons have no reason to win, as they are rebuilding, after franchise-altering talent in the draft and would love to get their young players plenty of reps.
For all of these reasons, the Pistons could jettison several of their veterans at the deadline, including Wayne Ellington, Delon Wright, Svi Mykhailiuk and even Mason Plumlee.
This would not only open the door for guys like Deividas Sirvydis to get some run, but would almost ensure that they lose enough games to stay in the bottom three of the NBA.
This is important, as the bottom three teams have equal odds at the number one pick, though having the worst record comes with the bonus of a guaranteed top-five choice.
The Pistons have an easier schedule in the 2nd half, so want to make sure their competitive play doesn’t translate into wins that could spoil the tank.
Here is what their depth chart could look like after the trade deadline.
Detroit Pistons’ depth chart after the trade deadline
Let’s say the Detroit Pistons trade Delon Wright, Wayne Ellington, Svi Mykhailiuk and Mason Plumlee at the deadline, which is a possibility. They will also likely buy out Blake Griffin, leaving several holes to be filled in the rotation.
This is what their depth chart would look like, not counting any players they might get in the trades.
PG: Dennis Smith Jr. / Saben Lee
SG: Josh Jackson / Deividas Sirvydis
SF: Saddiq Bey
PF: Jerami Grant / Sekou Doumbouya
C: Isaiah Stewart
Obviously, the Pistons would need a few more guys to fill out the rotation, but this depth chart looks pretty exciting to me
Not only would the Pistons get plenty of opportunity to see their young guys play, but they are almost certain to lose enough games not to spoil the tank and could end up with the worst overall record, which is exactly what they want.
The second half Detroit Pistons might look a lot different and I for one am ready to see it.