Detroit Pistons: Surprising NBA free agents still on the market

The Detroit Pistons went into the offseason with cap space to burn on free agents, but ended up using it in trades for Joe Harris and Monte Morris.

And they may not be finished, as they still have bigs and guards that could be dealt if the right September trade presents itself, as it did last offseason with Bojan Bogdanovic.

But for now, the Pistons roster is set, though beyond that it is anyone’s guess, as there are only a few locks for the rotation and Monty Williams will have several different starting lineup combinations to choose from.

If this is the roster, there will be questions next season about whether Detroit used their cap space wisely or if they should have taken a flyer on one of the available free agents instead. There are still some surprising names still on the market waiting for deals.

Detroit Pistons: Surprising NBA free agents still on the market

Hamidou Diallo-Unrestricted free agent

The Pistons’ own Hamidou Diallo is still looking for a job and hasn’t gotten much buzz. At this point Diallo’s strengths and weaknesses are well established, as he can’t shoot, but can defend a little, runs the floor well and is an efficient finisher around the rim. He shot nearly 60 percent from 2-point range after giving up on long-range shots. He took the fewest 3-pointers of his career, though often changed games with his hustle and ability to get a steal. It’s possible he’s holding out for more money than anyone wants to give him, but it is somewhat surprising some team hasn’t added Diallo to their bench, as he has shown he can be effective in the right role.

PJ Washington-Restricted free agent

PJ Washington is coming off the best season of his career, albeit on a lousy Charlotte team. Seeing how many teams went small in the playoffs, it’s surprsing that Washington, who can defend at power forward and center, has not gotten an offer. It’s clear he and the Hornets can’t come to an agreement, so he could end up in a sign and trade at some point.

Kelly Oubre Jr.-Unrestricted free agent

Another guy in the Washington tier who is coming off a good season for the same bad team. Oubre Jr. averaged just over 20 points per game last season, but he did it on a lot of shots and mediocre efficiency. He took a ton of 3’s but only made 31 percent of them, which is probably the only reason he’s still looking for a job. You get the feeling that Washington and Oubre Jr. (and their agents) may be overestimating the value they have to the rest of the league.

Christian Wood- Unrestricted free agent

Reports indicate that Wood is only receiving league-minimum offers right now, which is wild for a stretch big who averaged 16 points and seven rebounds last season. Wood also blocked over a shot per game, skills that you’d think would get him paid. But Wood has also been on seven teams already and seemingly had some kind of issue on all of them. He’s definitely got the talent, but the league isn’t biting right now. It’s possible some team is going to end up with Wood on a short-term prove-it deal and he could end up being a great value.