The Detroit Pistons got some bad news about backup center Kelly Olynyk that could have an effect on the future roster.
Olynyk will miss at least six weeks with a sprained knee, which leaves the Pistons desperately thin at center.
Luka Garza will likely get the call up from the G-League in the short term, and the bright side is that we’ll get to see what he can do in extended action.
I have high hopes for Garza because of his overall skill level and work ethic, but I am also dubious that he is ready to assume a role playing upwards of 20 minutes per night.
The Detroit Pistons could use more of Trey Lyles at center or even go with more small-ball, but there is also a chance they could make a move for another backup.
There happens to be one out there that the Detroit Pistons could probably get in a trade, but the question is whether it would be worth the risk.
Detroit Pistons: Marvin Bagley III is very available
Marvin Bagley III has been in the headlines for all of the wrong reasons for the Sacramento Kings. The former #2 pick started the season out of the rotation, which did not make him happy, and he has only played in one game so far this season for the Kings.
Bagley then reportedly refused to enter a game recently after being asked to come off the bench in garbage time.
This is not a good look for Bagley, whose time in Sacramento has been mired in this type of controversy, even though he has shown flashes of top-tier talent at times.
Should the Detroit Pistons take a risk on a talented but troubled F/C to replace Kelly Olynyk? Let’s take a look.
The Detroit Pistons should not trade for Marvin Bagley III
The Pistons are trying to change their culture after being stuck in mediocrity for what seems like 100 years.
Troy Weaver has repeatedly talked about getting the “right kinds of players,” guys who have strong work ethic and a desire to be great, who will put the team ahead of themselves.
So far his plan is coming into focus, as team leader Jerami Grant embodies exactly what Weaver is talking about, and it looks like he has also found high character guys in Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart.
Bagley has been the exact opposite of this for most of his career. This is a guy who has missed a lot of time with injuries, has had his work ethic and character questioned constantly and hasn’t shown himself to be much of a team player.
After putting up a promising 14.9 points/7.6 rebounds in his rookie season, Bagley III played in 59 games total in the two seasons plus since.
While he does have high-ceiling talent, he is not the kind of guy the Detroit Pistons are building around and does not fit the team culture they are trying to establish.
But they don’t call it risk/reward because it is safe.
Why the Detroit Pistons should trade for Marvin Bagley III
Marvin Bagley III has not had a great start to his NBA career, which has been damaged by injures and controversy with his team.
But often these types of players just need a change of scenery, and leaving the dysfunctional Kings might give him a new start to his career. The Detroit Pistons haven’t been winning either, but they do have some stability and a coach that is known for getting the most out of young players.
The Pistons could probably get Bagley for practically nothing, as he has virtually no trade value right now. Everyone knows the Kings would love to trade him, so they have no leverage in this situation.
He is the classic risk/reward guy, as he has high-ceiling talent but just hasn’t been able to put it all together. With a consistent role off the Pistons’ bench, could we see the guy who showed so much promise as a rookie?
This is a 6-foot-11 combo forward/center who averaged 14 points and seven rebounds last season while shooting 34 percent from long range, things the offensively challenged Pistons could use right now.
The Detroit Pistons are now very thin at center and will be relying on a 2nd-round rookie to play extended minutes with Olynyk out. Isaiah Stewart has been in a lot of foul trouble this season, which could leave the Pistons with a lot of minutes to fill at the five.
If the Detroit Pistons could get Bagley without giving up a real asset, they should at least consider it, as the risk is not huge (his contract is up after this season) and who knows, they might be able to find a useful talent.
It’s a tough call but if the Pistons feel like they can salvage Bagley’s career, he might be worth the risk.