Fans, calm down. The Detroit Pistons are not trying to compete next year, and their goal in the 2024-25 season is to develop our young players. Drafting Ron Holland addresses a major need in a bigger wing who can defend multiple positions, and he knows how to score. At 6-foot-8 and 200 lbs, he has a large frame and can develop into a prototypical wing in today's NBA. That said, there's a major need that the Pistons need to address: SHOOTING.
Above every other issue in Detroit, 3-point shooting is probably the worst. The Pistons were in the bottom five in every perimeter shooting statistic, and even with hiring shooting guru Fred Vinson helping the young players, the Pistons need more proven shooters. With the number of shooters on the market this offseason, here are three the Pistons could target:
1. Klay Thompson
Let's get this out of the way, this likely won't happen. Klay Thompson is a 4-time champion who wants to contend and get a payday, and he has every right to do so. Though he's declining, the 34-year-old is coming off of a season where he averaged 18 points and almost 39 percent from three. Simply put, his decline was better than most of if not all of, the Pistons' best shooters.
Decline or not, what Thompson provides is valuable to the league, and especially the Pistons. He is still a solid defender, he is a menace on the perimeter for opposing defenses, he doesn't need the ball in his hands to be successful, and can mentor the young team. Would $30 million a season be a lot for a player on the back end of his career? Maybe, but what he brings to a young Detroit team is worth any price.
2. Gary Trent Jr.
Gary Trent Jr. profiles as a player the Pistons should target. At 6-foot-5 and 210 lbs, he has the size and strength to guard on the perimeter, hit 39 percent of his 3-point attempts last season, and is only 25, which is on the Pistons current timeline. Whether on the bench or in the starting lineup, he's a plug-and-play shooter who will open the floor for a team that desperately needs it.
Though he fits the bill of what Detroit needs, he's available for a reason. Though he has the profile, his defense leaves a lot to be desired, and on a team where perimeter defense was nonexistent last year, that's a red flag. That said, he's 25, has a lot of potential to grow into a 3-and-D guard/small forward for the Pistons. In a situation like Detroit, Trent could instantly increase his value and help both Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.
3. Jalen Smith
Jalen Smith is another prototype player for the Pistons and could have the largest market of any players on this list. Not to say he's more valuable than Klay, but a 6-foot-10 forward/ center who can stretch the floor should be a priority for every team in the league. He's another plug-and-play guy who could contribute immediately to the Pistons.
Though health is a major concern for Smith, floor spacing is a crucial need for the Pistons. Opening up driving lanes with his 42 percent from deep will be a breath of fresh air for a team that needs spacing. With his height, he could also be valuable as a stretch five, which gives the offense even more dimensions.
Detroit has a long way to go this off-season, but being able to sign shooting is paramount for the Pistons to turn the franchise around. The league is as perimeter-oriented as it has ever been, and the team will not be able to survive with an archaic system. If the Pistons want to succeed, this skill will be a priority this off-season.