The Detroit Pistons have a plethora of point guards, what to do?
So what does Detroit Pistons do with all its talented point guards?
When you look at it, there really is not much general manager Troy Weaver can do.
The only one with any trade value is Delon Wright. And, coming off an injury, Wright is going to have to show he is healthy and can still play at the high level he was at pre-injury, before any team will offer Detroit anything.
So, expect when cleared, Wright to get a ton of playing time.
However, Wright is a favorite of coach Casey, and Wright has stated he is very happy in Detroit, he is not looking to leave. It will probably have to be a pretty decent offer to pry Wright away from the Pistons.
Assuming Wright does stay, what happens when Hayes returns? He certainly will not be gathering dust on the bench. Hayes was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. The Pistons have a lot invested in him, he will be playing as much as he is medically allowed.
Casey could go back to the opening night backcourt of Hayes at the point, and Wright at shooting guard. Wright’s ball-handling ability was a big reason he was slotted to play with Hayes.
McGruder can play shooting guard but Smith Jr. and Lee are pure point guards.
When Hayes is allowed to, he will get playing time because, well, he has to. Wright will also be on the court a lot, because he has been playing so well, and also showcasing him for team’s who might be interested in trading for him.
No one is going to trade for a guy playing 12-15 minutes a game on a team with the worst record in the conference, so Wright will play.
Unfortunately, Lee and Smith Jr. are probably the odd men out, unless Wright is traded.
But Lee is young and with a lot to learn. A full summer league and off-season program will help unlock even more of his potential. Smith Jr. still has some games until Hayes possibly returns, so he can continue to show he belongs, if not with the Pistons, somewhere in the NBA.
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The Detroit Pistons seem to be in a solid position at point guard for the future. Of course, if they end up drafting Oklahoma State point guard Cade Cunningham, then they are really in good shape.
As it turns out, the trade of Derrick Rose did not hurt the Pistons at point guard, it merely opened up opportunities for others, that could pay off in the future.