Detroit Pistons: 3 reasons the Pistons shouldn’t trade Mason Plumlee

Detroit Pistons: Mason Plumlee is a Good Passer

Plumlee dished out the second-most assists out of all the Detroit Pistons who spent the whole season in Detroit. Killian Hayes ranks above him, as do Cory Joseph, Delon Wright, Derrick Rose, Blake Griffin, and Dennis Smith Jr. Only Hayes was on the squad all season, and he spent most of the year injured. Plumlee led the team overall with 202 assists.

He also registered under two turnovers a game and he had the seventh-highest assist per game numbers out of all centers. He managed to do this on an absolutely awful shooting team.

With the addition of presumptive first overall pick Cade Cunningham, the Pistons will excel in floor spacing next season. When Killian Hayes is not on the court, they’ll need a pass-first option to facilitate scoring. Plumlee is the unlikely candidate, but he’s shown he can do it and do it well.

Mason Plumlee is Surprisingly Good at Rebounding

Mason Plumlee had the 14th highest rebounding numbers out of everyone who plays his position, but he played significantly fewer minutes than all but five of those ahead of him, and more minutes than only Enes Kanter.

For Detroit, he had the highest rebounding number per game out of everyone and had the highest rebound percentage by a whole two points. Isaiah Stewart needs some work on the rebounding element of his game, so if Plumlee were to back him up he could play in crunch time when rebounding is at a premium.

Floor spacing has been an issue in Detroit, but it shouldn’t be next season. Grant and Bey are great floor spacers, and Cade will be able to create his own shots. Someone needs to stay down low and grab misses and post up for easy baskets. Stewart is a great and promising first option, but Plumlee can provide much of the same when Beef Stew needs a break. His rebounding rates are good for someone over 30, and since he’ll play fewer minutes next season he can be even more efficient if he’s well-rested.