2 Moves that look genius, 1 that looks suspect for the Detroit Pistons

The Malik Beasley signing was a steal 

Beasley hasn’t shot the ball well in preseason, but he has a history of being one of the best high-volume shooters in the NBA, so I wouldn’t worry too much about games that don’t matter. 

His presence alone changes the offense, as teams have to respect him from behind the 3-point line, which has already opened up the offense. We’ve seen the Pistons run sets that they never could have last season, with Cade Cunningham starting possessions in the mid-post and either getting to the rim or running pick-and-roll with Duren. 

Last season, a possession starting in the mid-post would have immediately been triple teamed, as that’s where all the defenders were and no one was chasing the shooters flying around on the weakside. With more space, Cade Cunningham already looks like a guy who could be top-5 in assists per game this season.

Beasley gives effort on defense and at least knows where to be, which sadly, is an upgrade from last season. 

He’s on a lowball $6 million contract and will be one of the most coveted shooters at the trade deadline because of it. I am hoping the Pistons are competitive then and keep him instead, but the Beasley signing was a great deal for the Pistons either way.