When the Detroit Pistons entered the offseason, it seemed obvious that they needed to add an extra offensive creator next to Cade Cunningham. The Pistons star is the only real offensive leader on the team. But rather than making a trade, the Pistons are depending on internal development. They believe in their guys, so they want one of them to improve instead of spending assets on a big-swing deal.
That’s what the Pistons are going to be banking on this season. Despite the fact that Detroit didn’t make any significant additions this summer, there’s still a chance they gain an improved creator next year. That’s because three guys on the roster could have a chance to be big-time offensive leaders: Isaiah Joe, Ebuka Okorie, and Daniss Jenkins.
If any one of those three guys can improve enough to help Cunningham in the offensive creation department, the Pistons will be in a much better place.
Pistons chose to bank on internal development over trade
It feels like the general consensus was that the Pistons needed a move. At least, a lot of people believed they were in a great position to make a trade to bolster their title chances.
Adding offensive talent is the best way for the Pistons to improve. The best way to help Cunningham. That was the clear pathway to Detroit taking another leap.
When Cunningham didn’t have it going in the playoffs last year, the Pistons had to turn to other sources. Far less consistent sources. Next year, Detroit needs more consistency from other options outside of Cunningham.
That’s where they can turn to guys like Joe, Okorie, and Jenkins. All three of those guys have the potential to take another leap on the offensive side of the ball.
Joe joined the Pistons via a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He’s a great three-point shooter, and with more opportunities, perhaps he could grow into more.
The Pistons picked Okorie in this year’s draft, and if he can give them even a piece of what he provided Stanford last year, he could be a serious help.
Then, there’s Jenkins. He already proved that he can be a solid sixth man last year. But what if there’s another level for him to reach? Another level of creation and scoring?
If any of those three guys can take a big-time leap on the offensive end, it would prove the Pistons right for not making a massive trade and instead simply believing in their own internal development.
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