The Pistons' only notable trade addition this season was Kevin Huerter, but he's unfortunately disappointed so far. Huerter was brought in to provide more shooting, but he has only made one three through 4 games since arriving from the Bulls. Unfortunately, it's becoming increasingly clear that Huerter won't be the advertised fix for the Pistons' lack of reliable shooting.
Kevin Huerter has regressed significantly as a shooter
Huerter was once a feared sniper from long distance, but he hasn't been hitting his jumpers all season long. Across his games between Chicago and Detroit, he's only connecting on 31% of his threes this season. His unreliable jumper has made him an afterthought in the Pistons' rotation compared to other guards on the roster.
The Pistons haven't needed Huerter's shooting to win games yet; they're 3-1 in his appearances so far. But they face an intimidating slew of opponents in upcoming games and will be shorthanded without centers Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart for some of them. As the Pistons face the best defenses, shooting and spacing will be a premium that can free up lanes for Cade Cunningham and other ball handlers.
Without consistent shooting, Huerter doesn't have a solidified role or spot in the Pistons' lineup. He is firmly a wing rather than a plausible point guard due to his lack of on-ball playmaking. Fortunately for the Pistons, that role is now filled by the indomitable Daniss Jenkins. But Huerter will also find himself behind other Pistons' backups, such as Caris LeVert and potentially even Marcus Sasser.
Huerter is still finding ways to be effective without hitting his threes. He's shot very well from two-point range in Detroit and limited his turnovers. Additionally, Huerter has contributed to the Pistons' dominant defense as an active defender himself.
But his overall value relative to expectations will always be dependent on his outside shooting. The Pistons have been miserable from three-point range this season, despite their overall success. Huerter could have been a key element in solving this issue, as he was meant to provide shooting depth on top of Duncan Robinson.
If Huerter can live up to those shooting hopes, he will make the Pistons a dangerous team on both ends. But until then, his impact will be blunted by his struggles. In fact, he's causing the Pistons to wonder if their trade for him was worth the cost.
Not only has Huerter himself disappointed as a shooter, but he's also been worse from long range than Jaden Ivey, who the Pistons traded away. At this rate, it seems like Detroit might have been better off keeping Ivey or shopping him around for a different bench shooter with a more reliable stroke.