Which draft/free agent combination would fit best with Cade Cunningham?
Detroit Pistons draft and free agency: Best fits with Cade Cunningham
Deandre Ayton and Chet Holmgren
The Pistons have lacked rim protection this season outside of Isaiah Stewart, but that would all be over if they went the jumbo route this offseason.
In this scenario, the Pistons trade Jerami Grant for one of Portland’s picks, pursue Ayton in free agency and draft Chet Holmgren, presumably with one of the top-3 picks. I’m also going to throw in an idea for who to take with that second pick if the Pistons did end up trading Grant.
Related Story. The biggest mystery in the 2022 NBA Draft. light
This lineup would turn the Detroit Pistons into one of the biggest teams in the NBA.
- Cade Cunningham
- Bennedict Mathurin/Shaedon Sharpe
- Saddiq Bey
- Chet Holmgren
- Deandre Ayton
How about a starting five where everyone is at least 6-foot-6? Players are getting taller and more skilled and a lineup like this might be the norm someday.
This would give the Pistons plus size at every position, rim protection with Holmgren and Ayton, 3-point shooting at four positions and a million options in the pick-and-roll.
I know some fans are down on Holmgren after he had a lackluster performance in the NCAA Tournament, but his ceiling might be the highest of any player and the idea of putting him and Cade together to have two big playmakers who can shoot is pretty appealing.
But there is one option I like even more.