The Bradley Beal saga in Phoenix is finally over, with the guard accepting a buyout and immediately signing with the LA Clippers in a move that could have some ripple effects on the Detroit Pistons and the free-agent guard market.
The Clippers are one of the teams potentially in the hunt for a veteran point guard and still have a minimum spot open, which many believe they will use to sign Chris Paul.
If that happens, the point guard market will be sparse, headlined by guys like Malcolm Brogdon and Russell Westbrook, players who aren’t really point guards.
The Pistons are also a team that could be looking for a minimum veteran point guard, though it was unlikely they were ever going to reach for Paul, who probably wants to join a team he feels can win a title next season.
As the rest of the available point guards get snatched up, the Pistons will inch closer to having a completed roster heading into the rest of the offseason.
The Detroit Pistons’ point guard experiment
Detroit added more dynamic offensive players in Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson, guys who are less one-dimensional than the players they replaced.
They are also getting Jaden Ivey back, and his growth as an initiator will be key for the Pistons. If he proves himself a better decision maker with the ball and cuts down on the turnovers, the Pistons won’t have to worry much about the loss of Dennis Schroder.
Detroit can hopefully count on an increased role from Marcus Sasser, who played well in inconsistent minutes last season. He’s not a point guard, but he can run the offense for stretches, especially with secondary playmakers on the floor.
The Pistons also have their break in case of emergency point guard in Daniss Jenkins, a two-way player who may see action next season if there are injuries or players need a night off.
He’s been solid in Summer League and looks like a guy who can capably run an offense and add some scoring pop.
Detroit has options, and if they get the internal growth they need, will not need to explore free agency for another point guard.
The Pistons are set up financially to make a big move at some point, but they may not need it if their young players continue to step up and take on more responsibilities in the offense.