According to Predrag Saric of Meridian Sport, a Serbian outlet, the Detroit Pistons have shown an interest in bringing Isaac Bonga, who currently plays for KK Partizan, back to the NBA. But that interest proves that the Pistons still don’t know how to effectively build around their star, Cade Cunningham.
Bonga is a fine player. He’s improved steadily throughout his time overseas since leaving the NBA. But he’s still a defense-first guy who can’t shoot. He’s a decent ball-handler, and he’s gotten better from beyond the three-point arc, but targeting guys who aren’t proven shooters or scorers is a terrible idea.
It’s exactly what has gotten the Pistons in their current predicament.
Isaac Bonga is not an ideal Cade Cunningham role player
First and foremost, it’s a bit weird to see a report talking about the Pistons’ potential interest in a signing when they are in the middle of a playoff series. That seems odd.
Plus, this isn’t Shams Charania or Marc Stein tweeting something. This is an overseas outlet, so, like any report that doesn’t come from a reliable source or beat reporter, the rumor should be taken with a grain of salt.
But regardless, the sheer fact that this is even a possibility is frustrating, especially considering the situation the Pistons currently find themselves in.
Detroit is down 3-1 to the eighth-seeded Orlando Magic right now, largely because Cunningham doesn’t have nearly enough support on the offensive end of the court. He’s trying to do it all by himself.
So, for a report to indicate that the Pistons are potentially interested in signing a role player who isn’t a proven shooter or offensive option shows just how out of the loop they may be.
Bonga shot 36.5% from deep range this past season with KK Partizan. In the two years before, he shot 39.3% and 38.3%. But in each of the last three years, he failed to crack three attempts per game. And considering how poorly he shot in the NBA, the low-volume efficiency shouldn’t account for much.
Detroit needs to sign proven offensive creators. Guys who can provide consistent three-point shooting off the bench, even if only in limited minutes. Not guys like Bonga, who probably does deserve another shot in the NBA -- just not with the Pistons.
The report may not be true. Maybe the Pistons will target offensive-minded guys and make a big swing for another creator. But seeing them connected to another defense-first, hyper-athlete who can’t shoot is certainly concerning.
It just doesn’t make any sense.
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