The Detroit Pistons are near the bottom of the NBA, so will be looking for ways to improve any way they can.
Troy Weaver has shown a fondness for taking flyers on first-round busts, guys who haven’t panned out since being high draft picks but could thrive in a new environment.
It’s not a bad strategy, as the Pistons have given up little to acquire players like Josh Jackson, Marvin Bagley III, and Kevin Knox, with varying results (mostly bad), but if they ever hit on one of these it will be low cost/high reward situation similar to the one the Magic are in with Bol Bol.
I’m hoping that Weaver tries to actually put together a winning roster this offseason and gets some veterans who we know can play and fill a valuable role, but this season is one for development and experimenting, so now may be the time to take a flyer on another first-round bust.
The New York Knicks have one in Cam Reddish, who they are reportedly willing to deal for two second-round picks according to Mike Scotto of HoopsHype.
The Knicks gave up a first-rounder for Reddish just last season, but he is no longer in their rotation and hasn’t played in 18 games.
Should the Detroit Pistons try it again?
Should the Detroit Pistons trade for Cam Reddish?
When we look at the cost for Reddish, it’s practically free, as second-round picks are easy to come by and the Detroit Pistons have multiples in several upcoming years. They could send their 2024 2nd-rounder via Memphis or Washington and one of their 2026 second-rounders that is actually owed to them by the Knicks.
None of these picks are likely to be near the top of the round, and second-round picks tend to change hands often in the NBA, so it’s likely the Pistons could recoup them at some point anyway.
Reddish was the 10th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and was once thought to be one of the best two-way wings in his class. On paper, he fills a big need as a small forward with size at 6-foot-8, 220 lbs.
Reddish actually had some decent scoring games before he was benched and is shooting the highest field goal percentage of his career, though that is not saying much. He’s a guy who hasn’t gotten a consistent chance, and who knows, maybe he’ll show something with a regular role, which he could probably have on this Pistons team, especially right now with all of the injuries.
It would hardly be an exciting move, but he might be more worth a role of the dice than some player taken with the 50th pick in an upcoming draft.
Is he worth a look for the Detroit Pistons given the low cost?