How the Detroit Pistons helped propel the Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings have accomplished something the Detroit Pistons hope to do soon, which is to crawl out of the cellar into the playoffs.

The Kings are the surprise team of the NBA this season, currently the 2nd-seed in the Western Conference and climbing after winning seven of their last eight games.

There have been a lot of reasons for the Kings’ ascent, including the play of Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, who were both part of a lot of debate last season. Some fans thought the Kings screwed up by trading Tyrese Haliburton to the Pacers as part of a deal for Sabonis and by not trading Fox, who was coming off a down season in which the Kings only won 30 games.

They’ve already won 39 this season (and counting) but it’s not just because of Sabonis and Fox, as the Kings made some nice low-key additions to improve their depth that have also helped them to get where they are.

The Detroit Pistons were part of it, as they traded Josh Jackson and Trey Lyles to the Kings for Marvin Bagley III in part of a four-team deal that also cost Detroit a couple of second-round picks.

It looked like a typical low-risk move for Troy Weaver at the time, and it still does, but it turns out that Lyles, who was an afterthought in that deal, has actually been an important role player for Sacramento.

Detroit Pistons: Trey Lyles and addition by subtraction

Marvin Bagley III’s time in Sacramento was highlighted by disappointment and controversy, as he didn’t play well (or much at all) and had some much-publicized arguments with his coaches.

This is why many Kings’ fans were trolling the Pistons after the trade and happy to see the back of Bagley III, even if it meant getting “little” in return.

That “little” turned out to be forward Trey Lyles, who has been a steady contributor for the Kings this season, averaging 7.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game on 37 percent shooting from long range while hitting some big shots.

He’s come on of late, scoring in double figures in six of their last eight games. Is Lyles a great player? Of course not, but he knows his role and plays it well. The Kings added role players like Lyles, Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk to go along with rookie Keegan Murray and all have been a big part of their transformation into one of the league’s top teams.

I don’t think anyone would argue that Lyles is a better player than MBIII, but pure talent isn’t the only thing that matters when building a team. Bagley III was a negative distraction for the team, and Lyles is better at spreading the floor and doesn’t throw a fit when he only plays 16 minutes per game.

You could argue that Lyles would still be a better fit on the Detroit Pistons, especially now that they have acquired James Wiseman via trade. This is especially true when you consider MBIII has only played 32 games this season and is still under contract for two more at $12.5 million apiece, Weaver’s worst contract to date.

The Detroit Pistons may end up needing to trade a big man this offseason and Bagley III would be the likely candidate if they can find a taker. This trade shows that chemistry and fit actually matter in the NBA, something I hope Troy Weaver considers as he tries to turn this team into a winner over the offseason.