Point guards Pistons could pivot to after losing out on Patrick Beverley

The Detroit Pistons have already made plenty of changes to their roster, which were needed after finishing with the worst record in team history last season. 

After a flurry of moves at the start of free agency, things have settled in the NBA as veteran players contemplate their futures, pick their spots and teams try to complete their rosters. 

The Pistons aren’t in a big hurry to do anything, though they could still use a veteran point guard, a need they reportedly tried to fill by offering a veteran minimum deal to Patrick Beverley which he turned down to play overseas. 

Detroit needs an experienced and steady hand in the backcourt, but what exactly are they looking for in a backup point guard for this team? 

The Detroit Pistons don’t need big minutes, they need an effective leader 

The Pistons aren’t going to sign someone for this job who expects to play huge minutes or have a featured role, even off the bench. 

They need someone who can play spot minutes, who won’t get rusty or disgruntled sitting on the bench for long spells and who can offer some leadership to their young guards. 

The Pistons are looking for a role player, so with that context in mind, who are the best point guards remaining in free agency? 

Tyus Jones, Spencer Dinwiddie and Markelle Fultz 

I am putting all three of these guys together because all of them might be slightly overqualified for the job the Pistons have in mind. 

Jones is a steady point guard who doesn’t turn the ball over, Dinwiddie will likely want to play with a contender and Fultz is still young enough that some team will probably take a chance on him being the primary backup. 

In the case of Fultz, he could have a chance to rebuild his value in Detroit, but given his injury history, it’s hard to see the Pistons being interested, as they have only added players this offseason who are not injury prone. 

Patty Mills 

Mills is certainly past his prime, but fits the kind of player the Pistons might be looking for, as he is an experienced leader who has been around and played in some huge games. Mills only played 32 games last season, so he is in the latter stages of his career, but would be good in the Rodney McGruder role for Detroit, the guy who is a break in case of emergency backup who is a leader and mentor from the bench. 

Dennis Smith Jr. 

Smith Jr. had a decent season as a backup for the Nets last year and is familiar with Detroit from his time there in the 2020-21 season. I like Smith Jrs size and strength as a change of pace from the small and quick guards the Pistons have. He’s also a solid defender who puts in effort at that end and would push the other young guys. 

There is not much left in free agency after the Pistons struck out on Beverley, but they should be able to fill their backup point guard spot while keeping a little cap space dry for future moves.