One of the Pistons' biggest needs is a power forward upgrade for the future, and the Lakers' Rui Hachimura fits the bill perfectly. Hachimura is having a great season as an efficient 3-and-D forward, but it's not moving the needle for the Lakers. But bringing him into Detroit can solve the Pistons' shooting woes while maintaining their strong defense.
Rui Hachimura is an ideal fit on the Pistons
Hachimura is the type of selfless team player that nearly every contender wants. This season, he's averaging a solid 12 points per game while shooting 50% from the field and 42% from three. He's doing all that while being arguably the best defender on the Lakers. On the Pistons, he could focus more on his shooting while having less defensive workload.
He's also a perfect trade target for the Pistons because he would be a marginal upgrade that shouldn't cost a treasure trove of assets. The Lakers are clearly missing a defensive identity and the Pistons have an entire roster full of guys who can establish that for them. But Hachimura can solve the biggest hole in the Pistons' rotation.
Last season, the Pistons had a reliable option at the power forward spot in Tobias Harris. But the veteran has struggled with injuries this season. He's frequently missed a couple games at a time, which has made it hard for him to establish a good rhythm too. Pretty much all of his stats are down, and his 3-point shooting in particular has taken a hit.
Unfortunately, that's the exact area where the Pistons need the most help. Harris often plays alongside two non-shooters in Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson in the starting lineup. This allows teams to crowd Cade Cunningham while helping off those guys. If they can also help off Harris and leave him open at the 3-point line, it makes the situation even worse.
Opposing defenses will be much less willing to leave Hachimura open. His 3-point stroke this season isn't some new development; he's shot over 40% from deep in each of the last 3 seasons. With that track record, he's earned the respect of NBA defenses to guard him tightly. At the same time, he's developed his scoring elsewhere to become a versatile threat.
This season, Hachimura has some of the NBA's best efficiency in the mid-range, adding another weapon in playoff situations or when defenses run him off the line. Harris' contributions there have been key to the Pistons' success in the past, so bringing in a power forward with the same capability is important.
All things considered, Rui Hachimura is making his case as the perfect power forward and trade target for the Pistons. His perfect fit might be worth pursuing aggressively, since it could set the Pistons up for playoff success now and in the future.