Detroit Pistons: Josh Jackson could be the odd man out

When the Detroit Pistons signed Josh Jackson they were taking a flyer on a high-ceiling talent who might have needed a change of scenery to thrive.

It was a smart move, as Jackson was a top-five pick, is still very young and the Detroit Pistons weren’t trying to win anyway, so there was nothing to lose.

Jackson had his best season as a pro, averaging 13.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists mostly off the bench. He had some big games for the Detroit Pistons and emerged as their most reliable bench option.

But that doesn’t mean he was good. Jackson shot just 41 percent overall and just 30 percent from 3-point range, a fact that didn’t stop him from chucking up 4.1 of them per game.

Jackson was also a turnover machine, averaging 2.3 per game to pretty much wipe out his assist numbers. He did prove himself to be a versatile and reliable defender, and if he can ever get his 3-point shot sorted out, Jackson could be a nice 3-and-D wing in the NBA given his size.

But the Detroit Pistons may not be waiting around to find out.

Detroit Pistons: Hamidou Diallo makes Josh Jackson redundant

When the Pistons traded for Hamidou Diallo, it might have spelled the end of Josh Jackson in Detroit.

The two have some redundant skills, as both are athletic and versatile defenders who can guard multiple positions. Both also struggled to shoot the 3-point shot, though Diallo did improve when he came to the Detroit Pistons, shooting 39 percent albeit on a low volume of attempts.

The Pistons don’t really need two defenders who can’t shoot, so reason number one that Jackson may be shipped out is that they have another player who is like him only better.

Detroit Pistons: The Pistons need 3-point shooting

The Pistons clearly built their roster with a certain type in mind, as Troy Weaver collected long, athletic and versatile defenders, which led to the Pistons having the 10th best defense in terms of points allowed.

But eventually you need to be able to score, and right now the Detroit Pistons really struggle in that department. They need to replace Jackson with a shooter who better complements their bench and can create some space for their guards.

With the Pistons already thriving defensively, they just don’t need Jackson and should look for a team that might want to trade for him.

Jackson had an okay season for Detroit, but his redundant skills and lack of shooting will probably make him trade bait this offseason.