Most of the young core of the Detroit Pistons was drafted by someone else, but it’s the work Trajan Langdon has done around the margins that has made all of the difference.
It started last season, when he brought in Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley, the latter of which was on the best value contract in the NBA.
These three established and reliable veterans complemented the core perfectly, and the Pistons more than tripled their win total from the season before, illustrating that team building is more than just a collection of names.
Another underrated addition was that of Paul Reed, who Langdon got for practically nothing and then extended on another team-friendly deal that now looks like a huge bargain the way Reed is playing.
Langdon appears to have done it again this year, and his work on the fringes is a big part of the Pistons’ incredible start.
Trajan Langdon is finding gems for the Pistons roster
There were some big question marks going into this season, as the Pistons had lost THJ, Beasley and Schroder, but Langdon went to work and appears to have hit home runs again.
Duncan Robinson isn’t going to be making any All-Defensive teams, that’s for certain, but he’s shooting the lights out, shooting over 43 percent from long range on seven attempts per game, and offering a more versatile offensive game. Robinson is on a sweet contract that isn’t guaranteed past this season.
Caris LeVert showed his value last night in his best game of the season, running the offense and setting up teammates. He too is on a team-friendly deal that doesn’t extend past next season.
Paul Reed has again been huge for the Pistons and is staking his claim as one of the best third centers in the game. The Pistons have him locked in for another season at just $5.6 million, which now looks like a bargain.
And Langdon has once again hit on the fringes, as Javonte Green has been the unsung hero so far. Green was an afterthought who was signed in August to a non-guaranteed minimum deal, but has now started three games and played huge minutes for the Pistons.
He led the team in scoring last night and has fit in perfectly with the Pistons’ defensive identity, as he’s a player who will step up and guard anyone.
Even rookie Chaz Lanier looks like a player who will contribute sooner rather than later. He has played much so far, but he doesn’t look overwhelmed and seems to be in the right place and make the right reads, which is a great sign for a second-round pick in his rookie season.
Two-way player Daniss Jenkins is emerging as a key role player for the Pistons who may have a full-time contract by the end of the year, as he’s been given them a huge boost of offense during this winning streak.
Winning these signings on the margins is vital in the tax era that requires more savvy team building. Finding contributors at the bottom of the cap sheet gives teams more money and flexibility at the top, which is an important advantage when everyone is trying to stay under the apron.
Trajan Langdon is crushing the margins so far, and it’s a big reason the Pistons are where they are.