Breaking Down The Pistons Roster
Detroit finished the 2021-22 season just 23-59, but did play much better basketball after the All-Star break and down the stretch. Everyone is already sure that Cade Cunningham can be the centerpiece of the franchise and Saddiq Bey also looks like a long-time starter and high-level contributor, maybe even an all star. There are a few other nice pieces on the roster already and another one is on the way in the form of a lottery pick in this year's draft. It feels like the young Pistons are close to competing for the a playoff spot if just a few tweaks are made. Here's a look at each guy currently on the roster with some discussion about whether or not they should be a part of things moving forward.
Building Blocks — keep as long as possible
Saddiq Bey — As Bey prepares for his third year in Detroit, it's clear that he's got what it takes to be an everyday starter for many, many years. He's got great size at 6-7, 215 pounds and position versatility because of it. He's nearing elite status as a three-point shooter and even scored 51 points in a game last season. He also played in all 82 games — one of just five players in the entire league to do so. He's a long term keeper for sure.
Cade Cunningham — An absolute no-brainer. Cunningham is a future all star and already looks like the cornerstone player the Pistons have been looking for. He can do it all at point and can also play off the ball, which makes him even more valuable. He's already proven to be a hit as a former No. 1 overall pick.
Killian Hayes — I have come completely around on Hayes. I thought he was a miss for Detroit, but over the last 20 or so games of the season, he proved that he can be an elite facilitator and defender. He was also knocking down more outside shots and scoring at a much better clip as of late. At only 20 years old, he can either be a running mate with Cunningham in the backcourt or a potentially elite backup point guard for the Pistons for a long, long time.
Very Solid Pieces — valuable now and into the future
Marvin Bagley III — Bagley ended up playing in 20 games for the Pistons and immediately showed that a change in scenery can be great for a player. With pass-first guards like Cory Joseph, Cade Cunningham and Killian Hayes running the show, Bagley thrived as a lob threat and scoring option around the rim. He averaged a little over 15 points and 7 rebounds per game with Detroit as a sixth-man type of player who also started a handful of times in Isaiah Stewart's absence. The former No. 2 overall pick is still just 23 years old and appears to have a lot of upside, especially with a team like the Pistons who are built for him to excel.
Hamidou Diallo — I think Diallo can be an elite off-the-bench player. He's insanely athletic, provides great energy, can shoot it a little bit and, despite not playing huge minutes, was among the league leaders in steals before he was sat down due to injury. He's not quite skilled enough or a good enough shooter to be an everyday starter yet at just 23 years old, but he can start in a pinch and could honestly be one of the better bench players in the league.
Carsen Edwards — Call me crazy, but I love Edwards as a backup point guard. Another youngster at 24 years old, Edwards is instant offense and has a knack for pushing the pace. He's built for today's game as a three-point shooter with limitless range and he's a bulldog on defense despite being just 5-11. He only played 4 games for the Pistons but I really like what he's good at and think he can be an everyday backup point guard in the league.
Isaiah Livers — Livers showed in very limited action that he can do two things off the bench in the NBA — knock down threes and defend a few different positions. At 6-6, 232 pounds, Livers can defend 1-4 and he can shoot it from anywhere at a high clip. He's smart, eager to learn and a great person to have in a locker room.
Isaiah Stewart — To me, Stewart is on the cusp of being a "keep forever" guy, but he's just a little too undersized and limited on offense to put in that category. He knocked down some threes with regularity over the last handful of games, but I don't know if that will ever be a major part of his game and at just 6-8, he can't quite bang with the elite bigs in the league. He's strong as an ox at 250 pounds and has a knack for rebounding, but to me, he's an ideal backup center. He's also just 20 years old so he's extremely valuable moving forward.
Necessary Contributors — provided value in 2021, maybe not into next year or beyond
Jerami Grant — At 28 years old, Grant has a lot of good basketball left in him, but I think he's better suited as a No. 3 or No. 4 option on a contender, versus a No. 1 or No. 2 option on a rebuilding team like Detroit. Plus, he's going to want big money once his new contract comes together, and he would be more valuable to Detroit as an asset.
Frank Jackson — The Pistons have a team option on Jackson and honestly, I could take him or leave him. I like some of what he does, but I also think there could be better options out there. He can shoot it pretty well and plays hard, but I'm just not sure he's worth picking up his option.
Rodney McGruder — I feel almost the exact same way about McGruder. He can shoot it, he hustles, plays pretty decent defense, but isn't essential to what Detroit does moving forward. He's a free agent, so I think I'd probably let him look around. I actually think Detroit could keep one of these guys, and they're pretty similar in terms of size and ability. Since the Pistons have an option on Jackson and he's seven years younger, I'd go with him over McGruder.
Kelly Olynyk — At 31 years old, Olynyk is the oldest player on Detroit's roster. If he's at 100% and fitting in well with the second unit, he can be really valuable. Unfortunately, he wasn't either of those things very often in 2021. The veteran big dealt with a knee injury and then COVID, which really derailed his season over the last half of the schedule. He's really skilled for a 6-11, 240-pounder as a ball handler, shooter and passer. He's not great on defense and doesn't rebound the basketball particularly well, so his value depends on what you're asking him to do. He's entering the last year of his contract and is making $12.8 million. He might be worth starting out the year with and then seeing if you can move him for someone else.
Old News — expendable guys
Luka Garza — Despite being a dominant force in college, Garza just doesn't quite have it yet when it comes to the NBA. He bounced back and forth between the Pistons and the G-League and could be on his way out if the Pistons don't pick up his option. If I was Troy Weaver, I'd decline that option.
Cory Joseph — At 30 years old, Joseph is on the downside of his career, and it appears even more obvious because he's undersized and has never been overly athletic. He's pretty slow footed and battles but struggles on defense. He definitely can shoot it from the outside, but he has trouble getting his shot off at times. Because of his age and where the Pistons are right now, I'd much rather have Hayes and Edwards as the backup point guards, but it'll be up to Joseph as he has a player option to remain with the team.
Saben Lee — Lee is another odd man out at the point guard spot and as a G-Leaguer, his days in Detroit are probably numbered. He's got some speed, finishes at the rim pretty well and can play really good defense, he's just not needed moving forward.
