The Pistons desperately need offensive improvements for next season, but looking to Tyler Herro for them would be a big mistake. Herro's name has been linked to the Pistons as part of a multi-team trade, but his defensive weaknesses would make him a poor fit in Detroit.
The Pistons don't need Tyler Herro
Even though the Pistons have fit poor defenders into their lineups in the last two seasons, Herro is an exceptionally head-scratching case because of his uniquely poor defensive profile. Herro is very undersized at 6'5" and 195lbs, so he's often targeted by bigger ball-handlers. He's also a poor defensive playmaker for his position, as he's never averaged even 1 steal per game in his career.
The Pistons clearly need to make some changes, but bringing in another liability on one end of the court does them no favors. Even when they have found success with the likes of Duncan Robinson and Malik Beasley, those players have been limited in the playoffs due to their defensive weaknesses. Herro would be the same story turned up to another notch.
Additionally, Herro's contract would be a big ask for someone who isn't a reliable playoff contributor. He will be making $33 million next season and hasn't personally been a part of much playoff success since his rookie year. In fact, the Heat's best runs since then have come with Herro sidelined and less defensive liabilities on the court.
Hopefully there are better options than Herro available
If the only choice for adding more shooting and shot creation is Herro, the Pistons might be better off relying on more internal growth to improve their offense. However, that shouldn't be the case this summer. Detroit should have some other options available to improve their backcourt next to Cade Cunningham, depending on what they're willing to trade away.
It's a pivotal summer for Detroit and they need to be careful how they use their trade flexibility. Adding another potential playoff weak link in Herro might be a dooming move, especially if they're expecting to play him alongside Duncan Robinson at times. On the other hand, a player with less shooting and shot creation but servicable defense could be a more attractive trade candidate.
Given where the Pistons are in their team-building journey, fit and weaknesses matter just as much in new acquisitions as statistical production and name value. Herro has a reputation as a good shooting guard because of his one-time All-Star appearance and efficient shooting. But the other side of that coin - the defensive holes - could do more harm than good for a team with championship aspirations next season like the Pistons.
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