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Detroit Pistons: The Offseason Strategy
After being the worst team last season, the Pistons made drastic changes on several levels. First, they parted ways with general manager Troy Weaver, during whose tenure (since 2020) the team never achieved more than 23 wins in a season. The next big blow came with the dismissal of Monty Williams, who had been signed the year before for a record sum (6 years, 78.5 million). Trajan Langdon (formerly of the Pelicans) replaced Weaver and JB Bickerstaff (formerly of the Cavaliers) was hired as the new coach.
After the change at the highest level, changes were also made to the player personnel. The services of veterans such as Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley were secured in short-term contracts that are intended to support the broad squad of young players without putting the team in financial trouble at a later point. In addition, they extended Cade Cunningham, who is expected to become the Pistons’ anchor for the foreseeable future.
In the draft, the Pistons used their lottery pick on Ron Holland, who should become another offensive option for the Pistons with his athleticism and scoring in all game situations. Holland still has problems with his throwing percentages, but these will hopefully be addressed by highly respected throwing coach Fred Vinson.
Detroit Pistons: The Strengths and Weaknesses
With the signing of veterans like Beasley and Hardaway Jr., the Pistons have improved not only in terms of experience but also in terms of their shooting. The improved shooting should also open up new dimensions of playmaking for Cade Cunningham when opposing teams are forced to defend the three-point line. Additionally, the Pistons are privileged to have many young and promising players, all of whom will get a chance to prove themselves this season. With Bickerstaff, a coach was hired who is familiar with young teams in a rebuild and whose offensive concepts can, for example, improve the pick-and-roll of Cunningham and Duren.
Nonetheless, the Pistons were the worst team last season for a reason. This year too, they are missing a clear difference player who can take responsibility in tight final phases. Even a Cunningham has to grow into it. Defensively, the team is rather weak with a few exceptions and they will undoubtedly have to deal with one or two series of defeats this season.
