Detroit Pistons: Realistic NBA free agents from each non-playoff team

The NBA Playoffs are one of the glitziest and most exciting sporting events. It’s where players like Damian Lillard, Trae Young, and Donovan Mitchell have had career-defining games. But there are 14 teams who don’t make the playoffs and often fly under the radar in May and June. These teams are not always poised for success in the upcoming seasons, but by letting certain players walk in free agency, they can reshape the NBA dynamic. The Detroit Pistons are one of these teams, but they could very easily sign an asset from another underperforming team during the 2021 offseason. From backup centers to three-point specialists, here are the best free agents from each team that didn’t make the 2021 Playoffs.

Detroit Pistons: Possible free agents from each non-playoff team

Charlotte Hornets, Malik Monk

Monk is coming off the best season of his career and has quickly become one of the better outside shooters in the league. Charlotte is emerging as a threat in the East, so Monk may not want to part with his team, forcing the Detroit Pistons to overpay. If the Pistons can get him for a reasonable price, he could immediately become one of, if not the, best bench player on the team, and regardless of where he ends up next year is my darkhorse pick for the Sixth Man of the Year Award, which on my mind is the marking of great team basketball, so Detroit should pursue Monk seriously.

Chicago Bulls, Lauri Markkanen

Markkanen came into the league touted as the next great European player but has slipped into mediocrity. However, the one bright spot in his game is his outside shot, which Detroit needs desperately. I’m sure Chicago won’t offer Lauri the big bucks to return, so he may look elsewhere, and Detroit is a legitimate option for him as he could establish himself as a perimeter player. Not the best player on the list, but not the worst either. If Detroit can get him for a discounted price, this could be a very popular pickup.

Cleveland Cavaliers, Isaiah Hartenstein

At center, Hartenstein is not a well-rounded player at all, but when it comes to being the third option that isn’t exactly important. If the Pistons redo their frontcourt and ship Okafor and Plumlee off, then Hartenstein is one of the better rebounding threats that could fill the role of the third option. His per 36-minute stats point to him being someone who can score 16 a game and grab 12 rebounds. The points I don’t believe, but in an increased role or in a more traditional lineup with Stewart at the forward spot and Hartenstein at the center spot, Detroit will gobble boards all game.