Pistons: Sekou Doumbouya deserves minutes or Detroit could be sorry

Detroit Pistons: Sekou Doumbouya simply may be not that good

Perhaps giving him a real chance won’t pan out. If Sekou Doumbouya doesn’t become that player Detroit or any other team wants, then they can simply not pick up his option, or maybe conduct a sign-and-trade for a low draft pick, or other low-value assets.

Remember, the current Pistons administration has no loyalty to Doumbouya. General manager Troy Weaver did not draft Doumbouya. He likes big, athletic young players like Doumbouya, but, if he does not pan out, it does not damage his reputation.

The only thing worse than Doumbouya not working out is if he were to sit out most of this year for no good reason, re-sign elsewhere, and immediately become a solid contributor.

I can very easily see that happen (it was a trade, but similar to what happened with Khris Middleton), so maybe all the young guys on the squad should get their reps in before we write them off. That includes third-year guys like Doumbouya and apparent “busts” like Killian Hayes. 

Let me tell you a little secret: Guys who only get 15 minutes of playing time are not “busts,” they are misused talents who still need a legitimate shot to develop and prove themselves.