The biggest question hanging over the Detroit Pistons is whether the second star they need is already on the team and Jaden Ivey is keen to prove he’s that guy.
Ivey only played 30 games last season and had to watch his team take off without him, which had to be tough, but also offered him valuable perspective and insight about how he can help them upon his return.
He was already showing signs of it last season, but he still has to show he can do it consistently and attack efficiently as the Pistons’ second-best scorer.
Cade Cunningham is already an All-NBA player, so they can’t wait long to find out if Ivey is the right guy, as they don’t want to waste any of these years. This is why Ivey’s injury was so frustrating for him and the team, as they just didn’t get enough data last season to know for certain if Ivey is going to blossom into that guy.
He’ll get his chance to prove it next season, and if he does, I am sure the Pistons will reward him with a new contract, but if there are still questions, they may have to turn to plan B to find their star.
The Detroit Pistons have the assets to make a big trade
Trajan Langdon has watched how the Thunder won last year’s championship featuring mostly players they had drafted. OKC did add key veteran free agents last offseason, but they are building around their young and formidable core, relying on continuity and chemistry to complement their immense talent.
The Pistons hope to do the same with their young core and would love Ivey to be a key part of it along with Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren, Ron Holland and Isaiah Stewart.
But if Detroit does need to look outward for their second star, they have the assets to get one. Detroit has the big expiring contract of Tobias Harris that they could package with Jaden Ivey and several draft picks, a nice foundation for a star trade.
Who that star will be is anyone’s guess, as a lot can shift between now and next season’s trade deadline. There are names floating around already but it’s all speculation at this point and the Pistons will give their young core every chance to prove they can make a leap without an outside addition.
This is a make-or-break year for Ivey, who has to show he’s worthy of a big extension and is the right guy next to Cade Cunningham long term.