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Detroit Pistons: Which Remaining Free Agents Fit?

By Michael Manning

Nov 18, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Carlos Boozer (5) reacts after making a basket in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Lakers won 114-109. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Carlos Boozer (5) reacts after making a basket in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Lakers won 114-109. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA free agency is coming to an end and all the big names that were on the market have been signed. However, there are still some remaining players on the market that could push a team such as the Detroit Pistons, just outside playoff contention in the weak Eastern Conference, to a 7 or 8-seed in the playoff picture.

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But what players still on the free agent market could help the Pistons make this leap? Here’s a look at a few of them.

Carlos Boozer 

Ersan Ilyasova and Anthony Tolliver are the only two power forwards on the Pistons’ roster. While both players are reliable three-point shooters, neither of them can create their own shot. Enter Carlos Boozer. The 33-year-old Boozer has a variety of moves on the low block along with a deadly step back jumper on the baseline.

 Boozer adapted to playing off the bench last season for the Los Angeles Lakers and he would most likely continue to come off the bench for the Pistons. His offense on the low block would allow Jodie Meeks to get open looks. He would also form a lethal pick-and-roll duo with Brandon Jennings.

Feb 6, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard John Lucas III (9) dribbles the ball against Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) during the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons beat the Nuggets 98-88. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard John Lucas III (9) dribbles the ball against Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) during the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons beat the Nuggets 98-88. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Darrell Arthur

According to Christopher Dempsey of The Denver Post, the Pistons have expressed interest in Darrell Arthur. The 26-year-old Arthur averaged 6.6 points and 3.0 rebounds per game while coming off the bench for the Denver Nuggets. However, it is not offense that Arthur is known for, as he has been a tenacious defender since joining the NBA in 2008.  Arthur’s defense-first attitude would help improve Detroit’s 21st ranked defense.

Despite Arthur’s modest defensive numbers (0.8 steals per game and 0.4 blocks per game) the Nuggets’ defensive improvement when he was on the floor was noticeable. When Arthur was on the floor, the Nuggets held their opponents to 101.1 offense ranking. However, when Arthur was off the floor, the Nuggets’ opponents offensive ranking sky rocketed 110.7.  If the Pistons manage to sign Arthur they can expect he will bring the same type of defensive impact to Detroit.

Luc Mbah a Moute

Luc Mbah a Moute was reportedly going to sign with the Sacramento Kings but his contract with the team fell through after he failed a physical examination. It is unknown what injury caused Mbah a Moute’s contract to fall through. But the Pistons could benefit from Mbah a Moute being back on the market as he is perfect fit for the team.

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Mbah a Moute’s offense is certainly not a liability but his game revolves on his lockdown defense. Like Arthur, Mbah a Moute’s defensive numbers do not jump out at you from the box score. But his defensive presence is noticed in his team’s performance.

Last season when Mbah a Moute was on the floor, the Philadelphia 76ers held their opponents to a 103.3 offensive rating but when Mbah a Moute was on the bench, their opponent’s offensive rating jumped to 106.6.

Should the Pistons sign Mbah a Moute, he would most likely play as their backup power forward since their small forward ranks are already extremely crowded with Stanley Johnson and Marcus Morris manning the wing. But this role is not unfamiliar, since Mbah a Moute played 54 percent of his minutes at the Power Forward last season.

John Jenkins 

John Jenkins is most likely the least known name on this list but has the potential to be the steal of the off season for the Pistons as he provides what they desperately need to be successful: shooting. In his sophomore season, Jenkins shot a putrid 22 percent from distance. However, last season he rediscovered his shooting stroke and shot 40 percent from deep — good for 14th in the NBA.

Jenkins would play behind Jodie Meeks and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope at the shooting guard. However, he’d likely have the opportunity to play minutes as Meeks, who missed 22 games last season, is not the most durable player. Head coach Stan Van Gundy values shooting above all else so it would be out of character for him to keep an excellent shooter like Jenkins on the bench.

Next: San Antonio Spurs: Grading The Offseason

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