2 Pistons that earned untouchable status, 4 that should be cut loose
The Detroit Pistons are on the brink of tying the worst record in franchise history, so just about everything is on the table heading into a pivotal offseason.
Troy Weaver’s seat is not hot yet, but jobs could be at stake if they fail to at least make some progress next season, and that starts with figuring out the Pistons’ messy roster.
We use the word “untouchable” in the NBA a lot, but the truth is that no one is truly untouchable, as even some of the game’s All-Time greats have been traded, including Kevin Durant this year.
So in this case, the word “untouchable” is shorthand for “untouchable unless a really good trade comes along,” which isn’t as pithy or dramatic.
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Right now, the Detroit Pistons only have one such player in Cade Cunningham, but two more have earned their way into that status this season.
On the other end of the spectrum are the “very touchables,” the guys Detroit should cut loose this offseason and replace with more talented players who are better fits.
Let’s start with the untouchables.
2 Pistons that earned untouchable status
Jalen Duren
Count me as one who thought Jalen Duren would be brought along slowly this season, play limited minutes and not see much of the court given that he is the league’s youngest player and the Pistons already had Isaiah Stewart, Marvin Bagley III, Kelly Olynyk and Nerlens Noel.
But it turns out Stewart isn’t a center, MBIII can’t stay on the floor, Olynyk got traded and Noel was completely washed, so Duren got his chance earlier than expected and made the most of it.
He’s already an elite rebounder who averaged more than 10 per game as a starter. His offensive game is raw, but he’s already a good passer and is developing a little fadeaway jumper inside the lane.
Duren has been drawing comparisons to elite big men, as recently Paul George called him a “baby Dwight Howard,” and you rarely see a guy his size with that kind of athleticism and speed.
Duren hasn’t been starting, which is rankling the fanbase, but even given Weaver’s infatuation with James Wiseman, Duren is the center of the future. It would take a monster offer to move him and the only way it’s going to happen is if the Detroit Pistons are getting a star back in return.