The Detroit Pistons have had a busy summer so far and it’s not over yet.
They won their 3rd Summer League game behind an exciting but inefficient (more on that in a minute) performance from Ron Holland II.
As the Pistons wrap up Summer League, they are also looking to put the finishing touches on their roster, as they still have a couple of holes to fill.
According to Christos Tsaltas, Detroit was denied a chance to sign veteran point guard Patrick Beverley when he decided to go play in Israel instead.
How Hapoel Tel Aviv made the biggest move of the summer? Behind the Patrick Beverley deal, there was a lot of preparation, a trip to Las Vegas and successive negotiations and meetings.
— Christos Tsaltas (@Tsaltas46) July 16, 2024
More on the Beverley recruitment from Hapoel @SportalgrG #Eurocup #NBAhttps://t.co/RqISr5tDdV
This would have been an interesting pickup for Detroit, as they could use a veteran in the backcourt and Beverley definitely brings his own energy and vibe to whatever team he’s on.
But now that the Pistons have struck out, what is next?
Do the Detroit Pistons need a veteran point guard?
If I had to name one clear need for the Detroit Pistons, it would be a veteran point guard, as they don’t really have anyone to backup Cade Cunningham.
Jaden Ivey and Marcus Sasser can fill that role in spurts, but neither of them is really a point guard and it would be nice for the Pistons to have a little more experience.
There are still several quality backup point guards available, though a couple of these guys have already signed with other teams.
It will be interesting to see if Daniss Jenkins could be used in that role after a strong Summer League where he has shown some playmaking chops, but again, it would be nice to have a veteran mentor instead of another young guy on the bench.
Speaking of young guys...
Ron Holland vs. Matas Buzelis could be a great rivalry
Last night was our first chance to see former G-League teammates Ron Holland and Matas Buzelis go head-to-head and they didn’t disappoint, though both players were inefficient offensively.
Buzelis is a talker who has already claimed he’s the best rookie and going to win Rookie of the Year, an assessment I am sure other players in the draft would have some issues with.
The two exchanged dunks, had some flashes on offense with the ball in their hands and turned up the defensive intensity in the second half. Considering the Pistons were connected to Buzelis and many thought they would take him #5, coupled with the Bulls being in the same division and rebuilding at the same time, this has a chance to be a great rivalry for years to come.
They are similar players with similar flaws and it will be fun to see them compete four times next season.
Here are some random hot takes from around the Summer League.
Random Summer League hot takes
Alex Sarr is a few years away on offense. At least.
We can’t take too much from Summer League, but a 0-for-15 performance is brutal no matter what the context. The Wizards had better get this young man a serviceable point guard or it is going to be a long rookie season if he has to create that much on his own.
Deandre Ayton is getting traded
If I had to bet on one player to win Rookie of the Year right now, it would likely be Donovan Clingan, as he is NBA-ready on both ends of the floor and will at least make a big impact defensively.
That begs the question of what Portland is going to do with Deandre Ayton, who is making $34 and $35 million over the next two seasons and plays the same spot.
He’s likely to be on the move, but Portland may not have an easy time moving that contract.
Bobi Klintman will make the Pistons rotation
Klintman has shown he is a flawed player with big-time upside in Summer League. He can hit catch-and-shoot 3-point shots, can make the right pass and at least gives effort defensively. He’s weak around the hoop, doesn’t have great athleticism and is going to have a hard time staying with certain players because of it.
But unless the Pistons sign someone else, they are dangerously thin at power forward again. Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart and Paul Reed can all play there, but only Harris is really a power forward at this stage of his career.
On paper, Klintman is a perfect fit with Jalen Duren and before this season is over, I predict we’ll get to see what that looks like, as Klintman is going to be in the rotation, maybe right away and especially if there are any injuries next season.