The Pistons made a wise move to dump Caris LeVert's salary, but it seemingly left them with a void of playmaking among their second unit. However, the answer may be staring us in the face in the form of another veteran wing: Kevin Huerter. Huerter was extended for 3 years this offseason and can live up to his contract's value if he adds some solid secondary playmaking.
Huerter could fill LeVert's intended role
At times last season, it seemed like LeVert was the Pistons' best option as a backup point guard, but Huerter shouldn't have to fill shoes quite that big. Now that Detroit has discovered Daniss Jenkins as a viable point guard, he should be running the offense for backup units. But Huerter can do a good job of taking some pressure off Jenkins and creating off the catch if he returns to full health.
Huerter only joined the team at the trade deadline last season as an unexciting addition for the Pistons. Fans were hoping Detroit would be more aggressive to pick up a notable upgrade after moving on from Jaden Ivey, but Huerter ended up being the return instead. He only managed 25 games with the Pistons to end the regular season, as he also dealt with hip and adductor injuries going into the playoffs.
But Huerter had some promising flashes in those few appearances that don't quite align with his stereotype as a movement shooter and nothing else. For one, he shot 61% inside the arc during his time with the Pistons; only centers on the team beat him in that stat. He also showed some potential as a growing playmaker with some multi-assist games using his gravity as a shooter.
Huerter might be an upgrade over LeVert
Whenever Huerter did play for the Pistons, his basketball IQ stood out. He's in constant motion and still has respect from defenses as a shooter despite only hitting 29% of his threes with Detroit. But Huerter knows how to bend defenses effectively and make sure either he or his teammates benefit.
On the other end, he held up quite well on defense despite his poor reputation. He averaged over a steal per game for the Pistons in just 20 minutes per game. LeVert's best trait for Detroit was arguably his defense, and Huerter showed he can match that solid performance.
Although Huerter might not be a star player ready to transform the Pistons' outlook, he could wind up as yet another marginal upgrade in an underrated rotational spot. He plays within the flow of the team's offense much better than LeVert, but can still create for himself or others using his improved handle and constant shooting threat. Once Huerter gets back to full health, he's likely to play a big role off the bench as a playmaker and all-around player.
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