Detroit Pistons: Best and worst free-agent fits with Cade Cunningham

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 21, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) dunks the ball during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) dunks the ball during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Pistons: Best and worst free-agent fits with Cade Cunningham

And now, a short countdown begins, as we go from simpler solutions to more dramatic overhauls. This list, generally, leans toward veterans who aren’t quite over the hill and could come in and immediately give the team a lift. The Pistons need to build a winning culture and establish an identity as soon as possible. They have talent, but they need some of the skills and characteristics of these players.

Kelly Oubre

Kelly Oubre is 6-foot-6, 27-years-old and coming off the best season of his career. He scored more than 20 points a game, surpassed five boards, and was actually slightly less efficient with his shot than usual. While LaMelo Ball is a good distributor, perhaps Cunningham and Ivey could help Oubre get some better looks. Maybe the Pistons next coach will be an offensive mastermind. But even aside from all that, further development seems reasonable to expect. He has more experience than anyone in our core and could probably be a steadying veteran force. Honestly, we’re talking about very dicey player at best. I wouldn’t be breaking the bank for Oubre. And yet, he could be a fantastic addition. This one is a tough call, but Troy Weaver needs to give it consideration.

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Caris LeVert

Some will argue that he’s overrated and he may be, but he’s arguably better prepared than he ever has been to help lead a young team. He’ll be 29-years-old at the start of next season; not a spring chicken, but not yet 30, either. He should still have plenty to give. He’s a 6-foot-6 wing capable of scoring the basketball and playing solid defense. He’s also coming off a career-high 39.2 percent from long range. At this point in his career, he may just be that proverbial 3-and-D small forward that we’re looking for. He appears to be comfortable starting or coming off the bench, and he’s also used to the Midwest, as his last two stops have been Cleveland and Indiana.