As the playoffs unfolded for the Detroit Pistons, one thing became clear: They have to get Cade Cunningham some help.
For two years in a row, we’ve watched Cunningham put the team on his back in the playoffs with little assistance. The Pistons did improve upon their showing from last season, but they can’t keep doing this to their superstar.
When you look at the rosters OKC and San Antonio have put around their best player, it’s clear Detroit has a lot of work to do.
In a perfect world, they could find a true second star who is on the right timeline and won’t require gutting the roster, but that’s easier said than done.
Even “ideal” players like Trey Murphy III and Lauri Markkanen aren’t all-stars and would cost a fortune to acquire.
If the Pistons want to land a star, they may have to go for a riskier stopgap option, which is not ideal, but could pay off.
Would the Pistons reach for a star with red flags?
There will be some big names available this summer, but all of them come with big warning labels.
I am sure we’ll hear about the possibility of Kyrie Irving and Kawhi Leonard, both who theoretically provide exactly what this team needs in terms of secondary scoring.
But they are both walking injuries and 34-years-old, so come with obvious risks. The flip side is that they don’t have contract obligations past next season and likely wouldn’t require as much to get, especially Kyrie, who is fresh off a season missed due to injury.
There is someone like Kristaps Porzingis, another risky bet who could pay off and wouldn’t cost a fortune. These types of options are out there, but it’s buyer beware for the Pistons.
The Pistons can’t sell out too much for a pipe dream
If the Pistons had a healthy Kawhi Leonard for the playoffs, they probably would have won the Eastern Conference, but that’s an IF that gets larger and more unlikely with each passing season.
We’ve seen teams go for the stopgap option and have it work, famously with Leonard and the Raptors, but if it doesn’t work, you just gave up assets for an oft-injured player on the wrong side of 35 who now wants an extension.
If the Pistons go for one of these types, it has to be a favorable team deal, they can’t sell out what looks to be a very bright future for the short-term chance at a title.
Some would disagree with this, and in the right deal, I’d love to have one of these guys, otherwise, the Pistons have to be patient and wait for the right deal to emerge or for one of their internal options to flourish.
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