The Detroit Pistons got an improbable win last night over the Sacramento Kings, storming back in the 4th quarter to stun the home team on a four-point play with just seconds left on the clock.
It pulled Detroit’s record to 14-17 overall, equaling their win total from all of last season, and propelled them into 9th place in the Eastern Conference.
We’ve talked a lot about the NBA trade deadline and what the Pistons might do, and the consensus is that they will use their cap space and expiring contracts to take on draft assets.
If that’s what happens, so be it. I like this team. They have major flaws and aren’t ready to compete for a title by any stretch of the imagination, but they have fight and it would be good for the young players to compete for something meaningful with this group.
The Pistons aren’t going to make a roster-altering trade, and they probably shouldn’t unless one comes along that is too good to pass up. But there are guys out there who could help them and there is an argument that the Pistons should be buyers at the deadline, even if it’s not for a superstar.
The Eastern Conference is wide open
The Pistons are not likely to beat any of the top-five teams in the Eastern Conference in a playoff series, but beyond the top teams, it’s wide open.
Detroit has already beaten the 76ers, Hawks, Heat (x2), Pacers and Knicks in the East and also have wins over the Lakers (x2), Suns and Kings on their current West road trip.
The Pistons might not be able to hang with the elite teams of either conference, but they are fairly evenly matched against everyone else and have shown they can beat those teams on a given night.
Detroit is the 9th seed but only 2.5 games behind the Heat for the 6th spot. They may be able to catch them without improving the roster, but it’s also possible they’ll hit a rough patch and drop back into the bottom four, as they are only 1.5 games away from that group.
Again, I am not saying the Pistons should sacrifice their future to make a run at it, but if they can add a player who helps them this season, why not? It would be great for this group and great for recruitment next offseason.
Development and recruitment
None of the Pistons’ young players have played in a meaningful game yet, unless you count this year’s NBA Cup, which I do not.
It would be great for them to get some reps in the playoffs, even if it’s just to get knocked out in the first round.
This is how teams grow and improve.
A playoff run would also make the Pistons more attractive to future free agents and superstar players who want to join a team that is ready to compete and has shown it, not one that is still mostly theoretical.
It might help them retain Malik Beasley in the offseason, who would see this team as one that has a chance to grow and compete for a title someday. Detroit would start looking like a more attractive destination to stars as well as veteran role players who want to play for something meaningful.
The Victor Wembanyama factor
I say this in all seriousness: Victor Wembanyama is taking over the NBA. He’s averaging 25 points, 10 rebounds and four assists per game while knocking down nearly 36 percent of his 9.5 attempts from long range. Oh, he’s also getting over a steal per game and leading the NBA in blocks with an incredible four per game.
He has a good chance at Defensive Player of the Year in his 2nd season, will likely make 1st-team All-NBA and has an outside shot at MVP, especially if his team makes the playoffs in the crowded West.
They are currently 15-15 and the roster around him isn’t even that great. The Spurs have ample draft assets and are positioned to make big moves, so it won’t be long before the roster around him is great.
At that point it might be over for the league, as this kid has the chance to rack up multiple MVP awards (soon) and the Spurs are set up to be a force for the foreseeable future.
I’d say every team in the NBA should keep that in mind, and act accordingly, as we may be in the last of the short window where Wemby is not winning MVPs and titles.
I’d be content for the Pistons to stay with what they have, but if they can make the right addition to improve the roster instead of just selling off parts for future picks, it’s something to consider, as there are a multitude of reasons to go for it now.