Detroit Pistons: Cory Joseph has exceeded expectations

Cory Joseph was just suppose to be a throw-in for the Detroit Pistons in the Delon Wright. However, the veteran guard has been a major contributor since his arrival.

When Delon Wright was traded to the Sacramento Kings on March 25, not much thought was given to the player the Kings were sending over as part of the trade.

There was much more attention given to the two second-round draft picks the Pistons received as part of the trade.

But to make the trade go through, under NBA salary cap rules, the Kings had to put a player in the deal whose salary was close to Wright’s. It was Cory Joseph who ended up being sent to the Motor City.

Cory Joseph most recent player to blossom with Detroit Pistons

Sacramento obviously thought they were getting the better player. Joseph and Wright are both combo-type guards. The Kings gave up two second-rounders to have Wright instead of Joseph.

However, it what has been a theme for the Detroit Pistons this season (Hamidou Diallo, Tyler Cook, Dennis Smith Jr., even sort of Wayne Ellington), since putting on a Pistons uniform, Joseph has far exceeded (admittedly low) expectations.

Consider the following statistics (Courtesy Basketball-Reference.com):

• In 14 games, Joseph is averaging 11.7 points for Detroit. In a 10-year NBA career, Joseph has never averaged double-digits for a season.
• He is shooting .500 from the field and 36-percent on three-pointers. Outside of the 2014-15 season with the San Antonio Spurs, that is the best of his career.
• In Sacramento, Joseph had a -6 offensive/defensive rating. He is +6 with the Pistons.
• Scored 24 points against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, coming off a bout with bronchitis. It is the second time he has scored 24 points in his brief Detroit career (also scoring 24 on the Kings).

Considering that Detroit considers first-round pick Killian Hayes its point guard of the future, and rookie second-round selection Saben Lee has been impressive as well, Joseph had to earn his playing time. It was not like the Pistons are short on guards.

Maybe not uncoincidentally, Joseph best scoring seasons in his career were the two years he played in Toronto, under current Detroit coach Dwane Casey.

Wright had also played for Casey with the Raptors so, besides adding some scoring punch to the Pistons lineup, Joseph is also filling the mentoring role to the young point guards, that Wright, and before him, Derrick Rose, had filled this season.

"“Since I’ve been coaching, he’s one of the best with his spirit each and every day,” Coach Casey said of Joseph, according to NBA.com. “He lights up the room with his energy, his purpose. His spirit is undeniable when he walks into the gym. He’s setting an example for our program going forward. We’re really excited to have him and he’s been a big lift for us.”"

Does Cory Joseph have a future with the Detroit Pistons?

That Cory Joseph is helping the Pistons this season is undeniable. But that does not necessarily mean he will even be on the team next season.

Joseph is in the second year of a three-year, $37 million contract he signed with the Kings. However, only $2.4 million of his salary is guaranteed for the 2021-22 season.

Detroit will have until June 30 to decide whether they want to keep Joseph, and pay him the full $12.6 million for the year.

Joseph will turn 30-years-old on August 20, so he is not part of any youth movement. If the Pistons go for say, center Evan Mobley, in the NBA Draft, a useful guard like Joseph might be needed.

But if Detroit hits the jackpot, and nab Oklahoma State combo guard Cade Cunningham, they might decide Joseph could help another team.

Joseph has a championship ring from when he was with the Spurs during their 2014 NBA title run. So he knows what it takes to be a winner.

Right now, Joseph is helping the Pistons win (or at least be competitive) in games. Not bad for a guy averaging 6.0 points before being traded.