The Detroit Pistons added to their big-man depth yesterday with the signing of Paul Reed, a move I loved, as he is on a value deal, stays healthy and is versatile enough to play either spot.
Even after this signing, the Pistons will still have at least $14 million in cap space and potentially more depending on how they allocate their exceptions.
The roster looks close to complete, but if you had to name one need it would likely be for a veteran point guard. While Jaden Ivey and Marcus Sasser may be able to handle that role in stretches, neither of them is really a point guard, so it wouldn’t hurt to have an experienced hand coming off the bench.
There are some interesting names still available and the Pistons likely have the cap space to go out and get one of them. However, we know Trajan Langdon isn’t going to go over two years on any deal, so could look for a one- or two-year rental.
Markelle Fultz
Fultz has had a disappointing career since being drafted #1 overall in 2017, largely because has hasn’t been able to stay healthy, which was the case again last season when he only played 43 games.
When healthy, Fultz is a playmaker who can get into the lane and set up teammates. He can’t shoot, but can run the offense and might be worth a flyer on a one-year deal.
Tyus Jones
Jones might be a little too good for this spot, but he’d be a nice addition to the Pistons. He’s similar to Monte Morris (but better) in that he doesn’t turn the ball over with an incredible 7.3/1 assist to turnover ratio last season.
He also shot the 3-ball at 41.4 percent last season, so he fits into the theme of the offseason, which has been guys who can shoot and stay healthy.
Cameron Payne
Payne is more of a scorer than a playmaker but he’s proven he can be a lighting-in-a-bottle bucket off the bench.
He might not be as good a fit as the previous two but can play on or off the ball, shoot 3-point shots and provide a change of pace with his speed.
He and Ivey would be atrocious defensively but they would fly up and down the floor and create problems on the other end.
Kyle Lowry
It’s more likely Lowry continues to chase rings in his dotage, but if not, he’d be a great veteran mentor to the young guards on this team. He may be 38, but he can still play, shoots over 40 percent from long range and is a quality defender on the perimeter.
On a one-year deal, Lowry would provide some nice balance for this young team as well as valuable leadership.