The Los Angeles Lakers signed former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, who was being pursued by multiple teams that did not include the Detroit Pistons.
Smart was bought out by the Wizards before signing a two-year deal with LA for $11 million, which could be a bargain if he is healthy, a big if considering he’s only played 54 games in the last two seasons.
There has been plenty of discussion about the Pistons’ backup point guard situation, as right now they don’t really have one after losing Dennis Schroder in free agency.
As a player, Smart fits what the Pistons need as a smart defender and secondary ball handler who can defend, but he doesn’t fit the mold of guys Trajan Langdon has pursued thus far, players who don’t have lengthy injury histories.
The Pistons enjoyed fairly good health last season, partly because the veterans they acquired all played in at least 72 games.
The Suns and Bucks were also reportedly chasing Smart, and the lack of action from the Pistons may be further proof that they are happy with what they have, at least for now.
Detroit Pistons: Is the offseason officially over?
Smart was likely never a real possibility, but the Pistons’ inaction when it comes to signing a veteran point guard and/or power forward is a good sign they may be done dealing for now.
The Pistons have a solid nine-man rotation with the roster they currently have with Marcus Sasser and Paul Reed ready to play the fringe minutes that remain.
Between Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and some combination of Sasser, Ausar Thompson and Caris LeVert, the Pistons may feel they have enough players to handle the point guard minutes, including the limited action with Cade and Ivey both off the floor.
Marcus Sasser is fighting to get his team option picked up, which would give him a hefty raise, but one that would come with expectations of being a bigger part of the rotation.
The Pistons could also get some games out of two-way player Daniss Jenkins, who had a solid Summer League even though last night’s game was pretty much a dud for everyone in a Detroit uniform.
The Pistons also have financial flexibility, with a $14.3 million TPE they can use at any point next season to acquire a player if there is an injury or things are working out.
Detroit has not been active in the point guard market, and it doesn’t appear they will be, as they are counting heavily on continuity, chemistry and internal improvement to fill the gaps in the rotation.