The Pistons have seemed intent on adding more shooting to the roster this offseason. Reports of Malik Beasley being the prioritized free agent re-signing from last season and the draft selection of Chaz Lanier indicate a focus on surrounding the athletic young core with spacing.
That plan was put on hold with the recent Malik Beasley news that may force the Pistons into another direction when it comes to finding shooting.
Another potential offseason target could be an elite shooter with Pistons ties: Luke Kennard.
Detroit Pistons free agency: Luke Kennard can do one thing very well
Since the Pistons drafted Kennard 12th overall in 2017, he has consistently been one of the best shooters in the entire league. In fact, Kennard ranks 3rd all time in NBA career 3pt% with an astounding 43.8% across 8 seasons. He has never shot under 39.4% across a full season, and has maintained his efficiency across solid volume.
Kennard’s shooting and spacing comes in a variety of forms - he excels spotting up, relocating to open spots, coming off screens, shooting off a dribble hand-off and even pulling 3s in transition. Regardless of the play type, he shoots elite percentages and commands the attention of his defender and others involved in the action.
Kennard is one of the very best in the business at playing his role but it’s important to note that he is not very good at stepping outside of that role. Last season, as the Grizzlies’ injuries to guards began to pile up, Kennard was asked to do more on the ball. He took more self-created shots and handled the ball more but his percentages struggled as a result, and the Grizzlies fell down the standings as well.
For whatever team employs Kennard next, it will be important to consistently pair him with quality playmakers that can get him the ball in scoring position. Kennard is also not a very strong defender, so he fits best on a team that already has elite defenders and good playmakers. The Pistons actually with this mold, with Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey leading the offense and players like Ausar Thompson and Isaiah Stewart to shore up the defense.
Financially, Kennard is not likely to demand a huge contract. Last year, he was on a $9.25M contract that the Grizzlies declined to extend. The market for his services projects to be even lower and should not be a substantial burden on whatever team he joins. Kennard is no superstar but he plays his role exceptionally well due to his world-class shooting, and that may be just what the Pistons need to take the next step.