Pistons missed on one unicorn but could target another in free agency

How Kristaps Porzingis fits on the Detroit Pistons

The best chance for the Pistons to get a shot at Porzingis is if the Wizards decide that finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference with both him and Kyle Kuzma is not a great sign that they should run it back.

The Wizards have been stuck in NBA purgatory (the Pistons know it well) forever, not good enough to contend, but not bad enough to get a top lottery pick. I have no idea why they think bringing back the same team (plus the 8th pick) is going to yield a different result.

There are few potential free agents who would be better fits on the Pistons than Porzingis, as he could immediately slot into the starting power forward spot and give them the kind of floor spacing and shot blocking that they need from the position.

He and Cade Cunningham in the pick-and-roll would be a thing of beauty, and he’d be a nice fit next to bruiser Jalen Duren, who could handle the physical defense around the rim, allowing Porzingis to roam as a shot blocker, which is where he excels. Porzingis fits with any of the Pistons’ bigs, and would allow them to put the kinds of jumbo lineups on the floor that Troy Weaver wants without having to go with two bigs who can’t shoot.

There are obvious questions about his health, but if the Pistons are going to land a top guy, they are going to have to take a risk somewhere. There is also the fact that he’ll be making around $45 million per season on his next contract, one that will take him into his 30’s.

But his game should age well, as he’ll always be able to shoot over defenders on the perimeter and block shots, which is all Detroit would need him to do.

The chances of getting Porzingis are low, but if there is an opportunity, the Pistons should definitely explore it, as a lineup that looks like this would be pretty appealing and might immediately make Detroit a contender for the play-in:

• Cade Cunningham
• Jaden Ivey
• Cam Whitmore
• Kristaps Porzingis
• Jalen Duren

Detroit should definitely have one eye on the situation in Washington, as we will know soon whether Porzingis plans to return or test the free-agent waters.