Detroit Pistons: Best free-agent fits after the 2023 NBA Draft
The Detroit Pistons took Ausar Thompson and Marcus Sasser with their two picks in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Both guys could be thrust into the rotation (or even starting lineup in Thompson’s case) right away, as Ausar might already be the Pistons’ best defender and Sasser is a 22-year-old with the experience to be part of the second unit.
Getting a true wing player in Ausar Thompson lessens the need for the Pistons to land one in free agency, and the addition of Sasser may make it unnecessary for Detroit to seek out a third point guard.
Pistons' depth chart after the draft and before free agency. light. Related Story
This puts them in a much better position when free agency starts next week. With their wing of the future already in place, the Pistons’ biggest need is probably a guy who can play the power forward spot, though versatility is something every team is looking for in a forward.
Here are four veteran forwards who can play either spot and would fit with what the Detroit Pistons already have on their roster.
Detroit Pistons: Best free-agent fits after the 2023 NBA Draft
Grant Williams: Restricted free agent
Now that the Celtics have traded for Kristaps Porzingis, it makes it less likely that they bring back backup forward Grant Williams. Williams can play either forward spot but is more comfortable defending fours and even some centers.
He’s a tough defender who also happens to be able to shoot the 3-ball. Even if he didn’t start for the Pistons, he’s a guy who would play big minutes and give them a potential crunch-time lineup that can get a stop and spread the floor.
Williams has shot over or near 40 percent from 3-point range in the past two seasons and would give Detroit a younger player who already has experience on a winning team. He and Thompson would be a great duo defensively and Williams could help spread the floor in defensive lineups with Bogdanovic on the bench.
He’s a restricted free agent, but Boston won’t be able to go too high to retain him. The question is how much is too much for Williams? He’s more of a backup than starter, but would be very valuable either way.