Questions for the Detroit Pistons: The fringe veterans
Rodney McGruder
Has Rodney McGruder played his final game in the NBA? I don’t think McGruder will be seeing much action for the Detroit Pistons in the final 24 games, which might be an indication things are winding down for the 30-year-old. He’s on the final year of his deal and may have trouble finding a team in the offseason, though someone will likely need some veteran help off the bench and McGruder has at least shown that he can stay ready even after not playing for a long time. He’ll find a job somewhere, but it won’t be in Detroit.
Cory Joseph
Will Cory Joseph outplay his contract? CoJo has been pretty solid this year, though I don’t think any Pistons’ fans were hoping or expecting him to be in the starting lineup this much. He has a player option for next season and may have played well enough to get a better deal than the $5.1 million he’s owed from the Detroit Pistons if he opts in.
Joseph has shown he can run an offense off the bench and has shot 43 percent from 3-point range this season. If he finishes with those kinds of shooting numbers, some other team might offer him more, so I could see CoJo decline his option and look for a better deal.
This would be great for the Detroit Pistons by the way, though his veteran presence has been beneficial at times.