Role player or star? 3-and-D free agent is perfect for the Pistons

The Detroit Pistons will have the most cap space of any team this summer and there are endless opinions about how they should spend it.

Some feel Detroit should go star hunting, cash in some of their trade assets and make a big move, while others think the Pistons should spread the money around to several competent free agents.

One team to monitor for either option is the New Orleans Pelicans, who have a star wing in Brandon Ingram who could be traded, but also have a lower-cost role player who would be perfect in Detroit.

When you consider the cost involved, and the fact that Ingram only has one year left on his contract, the lower-cost option may be the better choice.

Detroit Pistons potential free agent Naji Marshall

The Pelicans have one of the best groups of wings in the NBA, and that includes Naji Marshall, a do-it-all glue guy, who is the type of competent role player the Pistons need.

Marshall's numbers aren't going to jump off the page, as he only averaged 7.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in around 20 minutes per game for the Pels.

But numbers don't tell his whole story, as Marshall is a quality defender who can guard several spots, he's a very good connective passer and loves to get out in transition.

He's tough and plays with a little edge, as well as a non-stop motor, which are qualities the Pistons need to help push their young players. Naji is the first one to stand up for a teammate or help them off the ground and is one of those guys who just makes winning plays that don't always show up on the scorecard.

And there is growing evidence that he'll keep getting better, as he is coming off his most efficient season, shooting 46 percent from the floor and over 38 percent from long range. His 3-point shot keeps improving and he is evolving into an impactful 3-and-D role player who could help off the Pistons' bench.

Whether the Pistons make other big splashes elsewhere, Marshall is a fit, a player like Bruce Brown who can do a little of everything while helping to get this team to the next level.

Marshall will be an unrestricted free agent coming off a value deal and will get a raise, but he should still be far cheaper than making a play for a guy like Ingram, who will cost trade assets as well as demand a big future contract.