Last week we took a look at the tier one, certified stars that the Detroit Pistons could go after this upcoming offseason.
That list consisted of mostly longshots, but each one would be franchise changing acquisition. Most fans will likely be in the Need to see it to believe it camp with the tier one guys. Based on how this front office has operated since taking over, it’s far more likely they overlook the top tier options and settle in a lower, yet still helpful, group of players. Let’s take a look at who would qualify for this second level, and their fit with Detroit.
Tier two players for the Detroit Pistons to target in free agency
Nic Claxton, 6’11 C
Most fans will want to add highlight, likely offensive, players this offseason. But the reality is, Detroit’s offense has been average to above average since adding floor spacers to the rotation. Now the Pistons have to add help on the defensive end.
Nic Claxton does exactly that for the Pistons. The 24 year old has been coveted by Brooklyn since his breakout a few years ago, but the time might have come where Detroit can steal the defensive big man away. Claxton is a tremendous talent down low. He has the length to block or alter any shot put up in the paint, but the footwork and athleticism to switch if need be. Just last season, Nic was fifth in voting for Most Improved Player, and ninth in Defensive Player of the Year.
Additionally, his offense isn’t just a black hole. This season, Claxton is averaging 12 points, and is a career 67 percent shooter. He averages 10.3 rebounds and three stocks (steals + blocks) per game. His addition to this roster may ruffle some feathers with Jalen Duren being such a fan favorite. Their fit next to each other isn’t exactly perfect, but being able to unleash Claxton’s defense when needed would give Detroit a huge advantage.
He's likely to stay in Brooklyn, but is the type of big the Pistons need, even if the fit is questionable with Duren already on the roster. The two can't play together and Claxton is not going to sign to be a bench player, so there would have to be additional roster moves for this to work.
Tobias Harris, 6’8 PF
Tobias being included in this discussion will have Detroit Pistons fans going through it emotionally. On the surface, my immediate reaction is absolutely not. Harris will be 32 next season, and the mere mention of his name brings Detroiters back to the painful Stan Van Gundy days.
But if you put those facts aside, Harris actually fits exactly what Detroit needs. At 6-foot-8, he has the size to play the four, and the athleticism to play a big ball three. This season, he is averaging 18 points per game, six rebounds, 3.4 assists, all while shooting 51 percent from two, and 35 percent from three.
Offensively, he can put the ball on the deck and create for himself, or knock down on the perimeter. Defensively, as Detroit desperately needs, Harris has the size to defend 3-5. He won’t be winning any awards for his defense, but on a team like Detroit, Harris’ defense would be a welcome addition.
Obi Toppin, 6’9 PF
There were rumors that Obi Toppin was made available this past trade deadline, which makes sense if you look at the Pacers’ roster. They recently traded for Pascal Siakam, and just drafted Jarace Walker. Between the two, Toppin has suddenly become expendable. I should clarify, expendable to the Pacers maybe, but Obi is still someone who would help the Pistons tremendously. He has great size to play the four, but is shooting almost 40 percent from three at the same time. Even while being on the outs for the Pacers future, Obi is averaging a career high 10.7 points this year and is almost 70 percent from two point range.
Now, if I were told Detroit was creating money to be big spenders this offseason, and they came away with the names on this list, admittedly, I’d be underwhelmed. These aren’t the franchise changing players expected when the front office created as much cap space as they did. Fans need to remember, though, that Detroit is not a free agency hotspot. We will not have the same pull that Miami or LA has. It’s most likely that whoever they attract this offseason, it’ll be through a trade. And Detroit doesn't quite have the most assets to offer.
We will know more about who is being made available via trade as the season comes to a close, but for now, keep an eye on these guys. Each of them will make this team better. And that should be welcome, rather than kicking off year five of the rebuild with the same disappointing team.