Detroit Pistons: 3 free agent shooting guards in a weak group
The Detroit Pistons need an upgrade of talent, particularly at the guard position.
They could address this need in the 2022 NBA Draft, especially if the Pistons fall out of the top-3, as the next tier of prospects is loaded with shooting guards that could be nice fits.
They could also address the need in free agency, though there is a steep drop-off at shooting guard after Zach LaVine. Combo guard Jalen Brunson is an option, but I’m hoping Detroit’s “big money offer” rumor is just that.
And there are always trades, but however they do it, the Pistons need more high-end talent at guard.
The Pistons currently have Cade Cunningham and Killian Hayes to go along with Cory Joseph, Frank Jackson, Saben Lee and Carsen Edwards. You can probably throw Hamidou Diallo on this list as well, as he did play some time at the two-guard.
After Cunningham, it’s not an inspiring list, as Hayes is the only other player that figures to be part of the long-term plans. The Pistons need to upgrade from Joseph (player option), Jackson (team option), Lee (signed at $1.7 million), Edwards (team option) and possibly Diallo (team option).
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If the Detroit Pistons were to walk away from one or all of these players, they could look for low-cost replacements in free agency.
There are some under-the-radar guys who might be fits as low-cost upgrades. One is of the “change of scenery” variety, one is a familiar face and one guy could improve the shooting.
These players all represent bench depth and potential upgrades from their current group of guards.
Detroit Pistons: Low-cost free agent shooting guards
The Change of Scenary
Jarrett Culver
The 2019 NBA Draft was full of “change of scenery” guys, as there are only a couple of players from the first round who have really fulfilled their potential.
Count Jarrett Culver among the busts so far, as he’s done little in the NBA since being drafted 6th overall. He’s a 6-foot-6 shooting guard who came into the league projected to be an athletic 3-level scorer who could create off the bounce.
So far he’s been a zero level scorer, as his shooting numbers have dipped every year he’s been in the league, bottoming out this season at 37 percent from the field and just 25 percent from 3-point range.
The physical tools are there, but Culver has not been able to put them together and will be looking for a third chance to prove he’s worth a roster spot. He’s likely going to have to take a minimum deal, so he’d be a project the Pistons would look to rebuild from their deep bench or the G-League.
He’s definitely not a needle mover but does represent a chance to take a low-cost flyer on a guy who was once the 6th pick, albeit in a weak draft.