Detroit Pistons: Pros and cons of trading Sekou Doumbouya

Detroit Pistons: Pros and cons of trading Sekou Doumbouya

Pro: Even though I’ve said the Pistons need to be a bit more patient with Doumbouya, he is still eating up a roster spot that could be claimed by someone else, possibly a player with higher upside.

Obviously, not having a G-League team to play on was a disadvantage, as the Pistons could have just let him play big minutes, be the centerpiece of the team and gain some confidence. But without that, he is just a guy running around whose spot might be better used on someone who can contribute.

Saben Lee has earned the right to at least get a tryout next season, same with Dennis Smith Jr. Both of these guys could be gone or on two-way deals if Doumbouya is still on the roster next season and they are just two of many players who would love the opportunity that Doumbouya is getting and could do more with it.

Do the Pistons have time and roster spots to waste on guys who might not be ready for another four or five years?

Con: I don’t need to remind Pistons’ fans that the team has a history of giving up on guys too early.  Do we really want another Spencer Dinwiddie or Khris Middleton situation? The Pistons gave up on those two guys, shipped them away for nothing and then watched them become All-Stars on other teams.

The same could certainly happen with Doumbouya, has still has high-ceiling upside and may just need a chance to flesh it out with more minutes and a consistent role.

He is only 20, so giving up on him now would be risky, as most NBA players do not round into form until they are 24 or 25 when they come into the league with such raw skills and need for improvement.

My verdict is that it is still too early to give up on Sekou Doumbouya, mostly because the Pistons are not going to be good for a few years anyway and it’s not like he’s eating up a huge chunk of the salary cap or playing big minutes.

It would be unfair to give up on this kid given the circumstances of the pandemic and last offseason, as that has undoubtedly had an effect on the development of a lot of young guys.

Doumbouya may be on the hot seat but unless the Detroit Pistons are getting a real asset back in return, there is no reason to trade him….yet.