Detroit Pistons: Grading every front office transaction of 2020-21
Detroit Pistons: Grading every transaction of 2020-21
The free agent portion of the offseason was probably the part that caused the most consternation among fans of the Detroit Pistons, as it seemed as though they might have overpaid for guys who weren’t very good. Once again, Troy Weaver had the last laugh.
December 1, 2020- Signed Mason Plumlee, Wayne Ellington, Jahlil Okafor and Josh Jackson as free agents
I can’t remember a single Pistons’ fan who was excited about any of these moves at the time, but all worked out pretty well for the Pistons. It turns out that Plumlee is actually pretty good and ended up being one of the best value signings of the offseason. He averaged nearly a double-double, was 3rd in the NBA in assists for centers and was a good mentor to the young bigs. Wayne Ellington was one of the best shooters in the NBA this season. Okafor was a serviceable 3rd center and Josh Jackson somewhat rebuilt his value by being the Pistons’ best bench player.
Even though Jackson has some huge flaws in his game, he played good defense, was tough and looks like a guy who the Pistons can at least flip for a pick at some point next season. Plumlee is also a trade asset or reliable, low-cost backup, so the Detroit Pistons gave up little and added guys who are now assets. We are stupid, Troy Weaver is smart.
Grade: B+
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December 27, 2020- Signed Frank Jackson to a two-way contract
This was one of my favorite offseason moves, as I have long been a fan of Frank Jackson’s game. He got his chance in the second half of the season and made the most of it, going from an afterthought to the Pistons’ best bench scorer. He has a little of that “instant offense” of a guy like Jordan Clarkson after improving his outside shooting. Jackson now looks like a guy the Pistons should sign to a full time contract next season. It worked out well for both sides.
Grade: A-