The Detroit Pistons must let Tim Hardaway Jr. walk in free agency this summer. He is unrestricted coming off a four-year $75 million contract. The 6’5 wing is known as a shooter, but his streakiness and no-shows when it matters are a problem for the Pistons. It happened again in Game 6 as the franchise narrowly failed to make an epic comeback.
Nobody expected Detroit to make the playoffs. They won just 14 games last season, but a 30-win improvement made them the sixth seed. There was significant growth from their young talent and should be plenty of excitement about the future.
THJ struggled throughout the series and was bad again in Game 6. He finished with seven points on three of 11 shooting with four turnovers and one assist. The Pistons need someone better to be a serious threat.
Tim Hardaway Jr. must be replaced by a stronger 3-and-D option
The Pistons need shooting and defense from that spot, especially if they plan to keep Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren in their starting lineup. Detroit is a stout defensive unit, but they need floor spacing to maximize Cade Cunningham. Getting a more consistent shooter would do wonders for the Pistons, and the franchise can certainly find a defensive upgrade over THJ.
Things will be different next season. Cade will take another leap this summer. The Pistons will have Jaden Ivey and Isaiah Stewart back from injury. They also figure to improve their roster again this summer. Detroit won’t be happy just reaching the playoffs in 2026. The organization wants to win a series in hopes of eventually building a title contender around Cunningham.
Tim Hardaway Jr. started all 83 games he appeared in this season for the Pistons. He played a key role in the turnaround, but shot 33.8 percent from the field and 30.7 percent on his threes against the Knicks in this series. Detroit needs more production to hang with the best teams.
The Mavericks dumped Tim Hardaway Jr. before this season. Credit to the veteran for playing a key role in the Pistons' resurgence, but it is time for both sides to move on. THJ will likely sign with a contender in hopes of chasing a championship. The Pistons will be searching for an upgrade. Finding another key piece is crucial to continuing their climb.
The Detroit Pistons are just getting started. They have a 23-year-old superstar and several young talents who continue to improve. Fans are disappointed they lost, but the franchise showed plenty against the Knicks. The pressure shifts to the front office, but no matter the moves, fans should be excited. The Pistons are back.