The Detroit Pistons chose Ron Holland with the 5th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, but it may not affect their strategy in free agency.
Trajan Langdon has made it clear (and even more so with his pick) that he’s not going to skip steps and that instant gratification is not his primary concern.
He took an 18-year-old project in the draft and talked about taking on contracts in exchange for assets. Langdon made good on that last night by taking on Wendell Moore Jr’s expiring contract to move up from the 53rd pick to the 37th.
The Pistons drafted Bobi Klintman with that pick, a guy many experts had ranked higher, so what seemed like an inconsequential move could pay off down the road.
When it comes to free agents, I expect Langdon to adopt a similar strategy by taking on role players who can help facilitate the growth of their young players, but not guys who are long-term solutions.
With that context in mind, here are six free agents that fit the Detroit Pistons and the style in which Trajan Langdon seems to be rebuilding his team. I expect him to sign short-term deals for large annual salaries and add stop-gap free agents who are fits but won’t have huge financial obligations in the future.
#6: Buddy Hield: Unrestricted free agent
After drafting another shooting project, the Pistons certainly need players who can knock down 3-point shots.
Having an extra wing defender also means some of Hield’s defensive concerns are mitigated by always having a quality defender on the floor with him.
Hield is one of the best volume 3-point shooters in NBA history, though he couldn’t get off the bench in the playoffs this season.
I wouldn’t go more than two years for Hield, as he’s on the wrong side of 30 and can’t defend, but he would help their shooting.