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Detroit Pistons Rumor: Free agent target Tim Hardaway Jr. is a perfect fit

By Thomas Chavez

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 16: Tim Hardaway Jr. #11 of the Dallas Mavericks converts a three point shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter of the game at Target Center on May 16, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 16: Tim Hardaway Jr. #11 of the Dallas Mavericks converts a three point shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter of the game at Target Center on May 16, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Pistons
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MAY 16: Tim Hardaway Jr. #11 of the Dallas Mavericks (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

Detroit Pistons: Tim Hardaway Jr. is a great third option behind Cade Cunningham and Jerami Grant

While it is not completely clear whether rookie point guard Cade Cunningham or power forward Jerami Grant will be the top option for Detroit next season, there is no doubt that those two will be the first and second options in Detroit’s offense. If Hardaway Jr. were added to the roster, he could be the ideal third option.

light. Related Story. Cade Cunningham's rank among the last decade of #1 picks

Hardaway Jr. does not need the ball in his hands to be an effective offensive weapon. The 29-year-old was used almost entirely off-ball next to Luka Dončić during his tenure in with Dallas. Hardway Jr. is adept at moving off-ball and getting to his spots for open looks.

With Grant and Cunningham both ball-dominant scorers, having a third option who can run in an off-ball role would be the ideal pairing. Hardaway Jr. is a reliable three-point shooter and can be an outlet for Grant and Cunningham when their drives to the basket are stalled.

Despite being such a good player off-ball, Hardaway Jr. is still a threat to score with the ball in his hands.

The shooting guard is not an elite scorer, but he has shown the ability to create his own shots and get to the rim. His versatility as an offensive weapon would make him a good player to run with the second unit as well as the starters.

The 29-year-old may be targeting a larger role as a starter, and Detroit could offer him that as a third option behind Grant and Cunningham.

Next. 5 worst free-agent signings in Pistons' history. dark