The doubt surrounding the Detroit Pistons has increased drastically over the last couple weeks.
Stemming from the team's stretch of struggles over the last month, mixed with the recent injury suffered by star guard Cade Cunningham, the narrative surrounding the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference has shifted negatively.
Obviously, the absence of Cunningham's playmaking and scoring leaves a massive void that head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has been tasked to fill, but beyond that, there were holes on the roster Detrit was already seeking an answer for long before this nightmare scenario unfolded.
Fortunately for the Pistons, there could be a solution hiding in plan sight that could answer more than just one problem.
The solution? Kevin Huerter.
Kevin Huerter could be a weapon down the stretch
Since arriving in Detroit ahead of the NBA trade deadline, Huerter hasn't received much of an opportunity to carve a role out in the Pistons rotation.
Averaging 6.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists on 40.7% shooting from field goal range and 19.1% from beyond the arc in just 17.2 minutes per game throughout his first 14 games with his new squad, the Maryland product has struggled to find a rhythm.
At the same time, the silver lining behind the recent injury news to Cunningham has allowed for Huerter receive an extended opportunity that he seemingly took full advantage of.
Posting his best game as a Piston in the team's recent win over the Washington Wizards, finishing with 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and four steals, whole shooting 6-for10 from field goal range, the 6-foot-6 guard impressed in his extended minutes.
Huerter flashed his all around game again last night against the Lakers. He only scored seven points but added three assists with some nice looks to Duren in the paint. He was in the game in clutch time an even got a stop on Luka Doncic, so his confidence is growing at the right time.
Huerter offers a mix of shooting and playmaking upside
Throughout the first eight years of his career, the 27-year-old has shown flashes of how impactful he can be as a marksman from deep, but his high IQ decision-making that often puts pressure on opposing defenses.
Huerter's ability to to shoot from anywhere on the floor forces opposing teams to account for his presence when he's on the floor, and several times he's proven he can take advantage of his sharpshooting to make the right play and create opportunities for his teammates.
For a Pistons team that not only needs assistance on offense shooting wise, the chance to add another capable playmaker to the rotation would be massive.
If Huerter can recover from his recent shoulder contusion that sidelined him against the Golden State Warriors, Bickerstaff could consider giving the guard some more run.