Detroit Pistons: Grading the Trey Lyles signing

The Detroit Pistons have reportedly signed forward Trey Lyles to a two-year, $5 million contract, per Yahoo Sports. Lyles had previously spent two years each in San Antonio, Utah, and Denver.

I used to think Lyles would be the perfect fit in the Pistons’ rotation but, with the addition of Cade Cunningham and the emergence of Isaiah Stewart as an apparent starting-quality forward/center, I’m not so sure.

The 6-foot-10 Lyles is a decent rebounder and outside shooter, and has the speed and sense to run the floor and line up in the corner as a possible kick-out option. He is not a great defender (although has a big wingspan) and doesn’t put the ball on the floor.

If the Pistons were desperate for three-point shooting, I would continue to think this signing would be great for Detroit. However, Cade Cunningham, Jerami Grant, and Saddiq Bey will all be starters who can knock down the long ball, and Detroit’s’ other draft picks can bring elite shooting off the bench for years to come.

The main complaint fans seem to have with the drafting of Isaiah Livers and Luka Garza is that they may never develop into substantial NBA shooters or all-around players. Lyles has already hit his ceiling, which is just under 10 points per game and around five rebounds.

The signing will hinder, slow down, or maybe downright bury any potential Garza and Livers have for this year. Both are fairly old for rookies, 22 and 23 respectively. They don’t have time to ride the bench for years or play in the G-League, they need to prove that they can be productive immediately.

It should also be noted that Lyles wanted out of San Antonio due to his dissipating playing time, in case you are wondering the usually sharps Spurs organization did not try to retain him.

The Spurs have a young core, as do the Detroit Pistons. He is signing himself up for a very similar role. Will he demand a trade by the All-Star break, when he realizes he will never be a starter in the Motor City? Perhaps. And what does the trade market look like for a journeyman who hasn’t seen any real success?

The silver lining in Detroit Pistons getting Trey Lyles

The only silver lining is his shooting, which for his position is very good.

From outside the arc, he shot 35% last season, and the year before that he shot 38% on more attempts. If he starts the season knowing he’s going to be a bench player, he could be productive. His contract is also just over a quarter of the Plumlee contact Detroit dumped to Charlotte, so money is ultimately being saved.

I’m not optimistic, but I hope he proves me wrong. As of now, the signing seems to be detrimental to the development of some younger guys, and it won’t be worth it. At least he’s not expensive!

Signing Grade: C