Detroit Pistons: Midseason grades for players, coach and front office

Detroit Pistons: Midseason grades for the point guards

Killian Hayes going down with injury is really one of the only bad things that has happened in this season of rebuilding. He only got to play seven games, so it is impossible to guess what his season might have looked like.

He was shaky at times, which you would expect from a rookie point guard who was immediately placed in the starting lineup.

But he also flashed the strength and athleticism that made him a top pick in the first place. It’s too bad we are unlikely to see him this season, as he is the only Pistons’ rookie who didn’t get a chance to show what he can do.

Considering we weren’t even supposed to see Saben Lee this season, it’s hard to resist just giving him an A+ here for being part of the rotation.

Lee has been very solid since taking over an increased role because of injuries to Hayes and Delon Wright, flashing top-tier athleticism and playmaking in the process.

Lee is another one of the guys who is giving fans faith in Troy Weaver, as he has outplayed his draft position and looks like he at least deserves a chance at making next year’s squad as a backup.

We need to see more, but Lee has been one of the best surprises of the season.

Smith Jr. has been okay, but I am not ready to proclaim him the starting point guard of the future just yet, as he still has some major flaws in his game.

He has had some huge dunks but his athleticism seems to have dipped a bit, which could just be the result of so much time on the Knicks’ bench.

He still can’t shoot, though his shooting percentages have ticked up since joining Detroit. Smith Jr. has shown he can contribute with his passing and defense and has probably earned himself a chance to be part of the roster next season.

He’s another “low-risk, high-reward” type player who has paid off for the Pistons, though I still need to see a lot more given his past.

Delon Wright was rolling before he went out with an injury, which is too bad, as the Pistons might have been able to get a nice return for him in a trade at the deadline.

That is still a possibility and if Wright shows he is ready to go, some team will definitely pick up the phone.

Wright falls into the same category as Plumlee, as his contract and production possibly make him more valuable to the Pistons than he might be on the trade market.

If the Detroit Pistons can get a first-round pick with a Delon Wright package, great, but if not, I have no problem giving him a roster spot, as he can play and isn’t making much money.