All of the attention for the Detroit Pistons heading into the offseason is on how Trajan Langdon will find a second option to pair with Cade Cunningham, and less about the moves around the margin that alone could get the team one step closer to where they want to be.
Detroit has plenty of options to choose from this offseason, both on the trade market, the NBA Draft, and free agency.
However, the one name that seems like a perfect fit in the Motor City is the player that nobody seems to be discussing as a realistic target.
That name? John Collins. Collins is a player the Pistons have sniffed around in the past, so they are well familiar with his game and now may be the perfect time to make it happen.
John Collins would be the perfect addition for Detroit
Collins is set to enter unrestricted free agency this offseason after his lone year with the LA Clippers led to one of his most disappointing seasons since his rookie campaign.
The 28-year-old averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds on 55.2% shooting from field goal range and 40.6% from beyond the arc on the season, and although he filled the role the Clippers asked of him perfectly, it feels like he wasn't utilized enough given what he's shown throughout his career.
We're talking about a player who, at one time, seemed like a star with the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 20+ points per game.
Obviously, Detroit wouldn't be signing the athletic forward with the expectation that he could return to that caliber of play, but he would be the perfect target that could fit in seamlessly to what the Pistons need at the power forward position.
Collins can space the floor; he's a legitimate lob threat that would give Cade Cunningham another threat to keep an eye on around the rim, and he's a gritty rebounder.
At 6-foot-9, the Wake Forest product is a bit undersized for his position, but he plays with the intensity that makes up for it and that fits the exact mold of the player J.B. Bickerstaff wants within his culture.
Not to mention, the upside on a Collins addition is legit, even if Detroit isn't banking on it.
Collins is a high-reward, low-risk signing
Detroit wouldn't be signing Collins with the expectation that he would be a star next to Cunningham, but it's worth mentioning the upside he could bring.
As a former first-round pick, it's clear that the wing is talented, and he's already shown several seasons in Atlanta where he could be a legit weapon on offense.
Worst case, Collins fills a role in the rotation similar to the one he filled in LA for Tyronn Lue. Best case, he emerges as a reliable piece for Detroit.
Regardless, Collins fills a need and offers enough reward to make a signing well worth the risk. The Pistons need more at power forward and Collins is readily available, so unlike the past, the timing may finally be right to make this happen.
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