The Detroit Pistons drafted Luke Kennard with the 12th overall pick in 2017, and the veteran is getting blasted by Hawks fans after signing a one-year $11 million contract with Atlanta. Kennard is an elite shooter but limited beyond that. He is best suited to a 20-minute per-game role off the bench, which makes his $11 million salary seem somewhat hefty. The Hawks have had a strong offseason, but their fans are not loving this move.
The Pistons know the importance of shooting and just did a sign-and-trade for Duncan Robinson. Detroit’s newest sharpshooter got a three-year $45 million contract. He has proven slightly more valuable than Kennard in recent years. There will always be a premium on shooting, and both teams had to pay it.
Atlanta wants floor spacers and defenders around Trae Young. Kennard has made 43.8 percent of his career 3-point attempts and gives the Hawks a sharpshooter off the bench. Pistons fans wanted him back and could ease the concerns of Atlanta supporters.
Luke Kennard is being buried by Hawks fans after new deal
The 29-year-old signed a one-year deal, which Atlanta can easily trade if things go south. Teams are always willing to take on expiring contracts at the deadline, but Hawks fans should give him a chance. Last season, Kennard averaged 8.9 points, 3.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 22.6 minutes per game. He shot 47.8 percent from the field, 43.3 percent on his triples, and 89.5 percent from the free throw line.
The Hawks retooled their roster this offseason. They traded for Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker before signing Kennard. Atlanta is gearing up for a run in the Eastern Conference and needs the 6’5 wing’s shooting. Atlanta quickly became a serious threat. Fans overall loved what new general manager Onsi Saleh has done and should trust in the Kennard signing too.
The Pistons quickly pivoted to salvage their offseason. Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson make up for losing Malik Beasley, Dennis Schroder, and Tim Hardaway Jr. Jaden Ivey will return from injury to lessen that burden. Expect Detroit to be in the mix for a top-four seed in the East. They enjoyed watching Hawks fans lose it over signing Luke Kennard, but seeing their own moves was even better.
Former Detroit Pistons lottery pick Luke Kennard is in Atlanta, and the Pistons got a sharpshooter of their own. Do not be surprised to see Detroit battling the Hawks all season. Pistons fans will be rooting for Atlanta supporters to be proven right whenever Kennard faces his former team. Expect the veteran to knock down shots and play a key role on the Hawks. He will change the tune of fans, and nobody in Detroit will be surprised.