Detroit Pistons: Possible power forward option hits free agency
If you had to point to the biggest weakness of the Detroit Pistons’ roster, it would probably be the power forward position.
They have four centers, one of which (Isaiah Stewart) they are trying to convert to a four, a move whose success is still in pending mode. Stewart looked awful shooting last night against OKC, but the good news is that all of the shots were wide open and at some point he’ll start knocking them down.
Aside from Stewart, the Detroit Pistons don’t really have a power forward, as Isaiah Livers went out with an early injury (shocker) and will be sidelined for at least the first month of the regular season.
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The Pistons have an open roster spot and could potentially use it to bolster their depth at forward, though Troy Weaver has talked about maintaining roster flexibility in case a trade presents itself.
A power forward recently hit the market who may pique the Pistons’ interest.
Could the Detroit Pistons sign Darius Bazley in free agency?
Yesterday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Brooklyn Nets had waived forward Darius Bazley:
The Brooklyn Nets are waiving forward Darius Bazley, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Bazley averaged 5.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 42.9 percent 3-point shooting in preseason and is now expected to receive interest as a free agent.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2023
Bazley started his career with the OKC Thunder and had some promising seasons as a youngster. He was getting minutes as a 19 and 20-year-old and showed some potential for the Thunder, averaging 9.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 221 games over 3+ seasons.
He was then traded to the Suns and eventually to the Nets, who don’t have a spot for the 6-foot-8 forward.
Bazley is a plus athlete with good length who has shown some defensive upside in his short career. He hasn’t been a great 3-point shooter, but he did improve last season, upping his average from long range to 37.7 percent, albeit on a lower number of attempts.
He’s hit over 42 percent in preseason, so has potential as a 3-and-D type at the four, which is something the Detroit Pistons could use. He’s still only 23 years old, so has room to grow, and if that shot comes along, he could have a spot in an NBA rotation.
Bazley might be worth a gamble for the Detroit Pistons, who need more depth at his position and are looking for players who can defend.
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