Fixing the Detroit Pistons roster position by position
Two things have become very clear during the Detroit Pistons' historic losing streak that now sits at 19 games and counting.
They need an influx of talent, especially when it comes to veteran players, as you can't win with a roster this young unless you have some proven talent to hold it down.
It's also clear that the Pistons need to do a better job of constructing their roster around Cade Cunningham, as they don't have enough shooters, a consistent secondary scoring option, two-way wing players or skilled bigs, which are all necessary to win in the modern NBA.
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Luckily, the Pistons have seven expiring contracts on the books, as well as the semi-expiring deal of Bojan Bogdanovic, which can be bought out for $2 million next season if the Pistons don't trade him at the deadline.
So the Pistons could have as much as $80 million coming off the books but can't rely entirely on 2024 free agency to save them. They are going to have to make moves in trades and free agency to add talent at every position.
Clearing the stench of losing
It's hard to see how a roster could recover from all of this losing. This team looked dead against Orlando and the stench of a franchise-record losing streak isn't going to be easy to wash off. They need a culture change and a whole new cast around Cade Cunningham.
Joe Harris, James Wiseman, Isaiah Livers and Alec Burks should all be dealt or allowed to walk. Same with Marvin Bagley III, whose offense will never make up for his defense. If the Pistons could move him for any expiring deal, they should. Kevin Knox should be allowed to walk at the end of the season.
Bojan Bogdanovic should be traded at the deadline. He should have been traded last year, when there were reportedly two first-round picks on the table (I'm still not sure I believe that). As good as Bojan has been for the Pistons, he hasn't played much, can't defend and the team hasn't won anything with him when he has been healthy.
The Pistons absolutely should not be taking on any salary that extends past this season unless it is for an impact player who complements Cade Cunningham. With at least seven open roster spots, Troy Weaver (or whoever is making the decisions) will have plenty of work to do at each position.