Any backup big man will do for the Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons have lost 12 in a row and have the worst record in the NBA, so there isn’t a trade out there that is going to save them.

But it became even clearer last night that they need a backup big man in the worst way, as they currently only have one playable big on their roster in Isaiah Stewart.

Stewart has big flaws himself, as he has no offensive game, but he is a willing defender who plays hard and does a lot of little things.

Last night vs. the Nets, Stewart played 40 minutes to lead the team and by the end of it looked like he was too tired to jump.

Getting another big man isn’t just about improving the Pistons’ disaster of a bench, it’s about saving Beef Stew from having to play 40 minutes a night, which isn’t helping him or the Pistons.

Detroit Pistons: Any serviceable backup big man will do

I didn’t think Trey Lyles would be a downgrade from Jahlil Okafor as a backup big man, but here we are.

With Kelly Olynyk out with injury the Pistons have had to turn to Lyles for more minutes and they’ve mostly been a disaster, as he brings little to either end.

The Pistons aren’t going to break the bank or make a huge trade to get a center, but even a minor move would be an upgrade over Lyles, who isn’t even a center anyway.

The Pistons are simply too small, evidenced by last night when they often had guards defending Kevin Durant, which predictably did not work. The small-ball lineups were effective at times last night, but would have been even better with some fresh legs running the floor in transition and defending the rim.

Nic Claxton, who barely plays for the Nets, would have been the Pistons’ second-best big man last night, so even a guy of his caliber would be an upgrade.

If they can’t find a young player with upside, then surely a veteran like Serge Ibaka (for example) or someone similar who doesn’t play on a good team, could be had for a low cost.

At this point, giving Luka Garza some run couldn’t hurt and he at least brings another shooting threat, which Lyles is currently not.

Like I said, this isn’t just about winning games, it’s about saving Beef Stew and maximizing the talents of the guards, who are currently being somewhat wasted without a serviceable big man to throw lobs to or run pick and roll with.

The Pistons need to put a center on their wish list, as they are running Stewart into the ground and getting no help from the bench.