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Ranking The Detroit Pistons’ Offseason Additions

By Michael Manning

Mar 18, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) reacts after getting called for a foul in the third quarter during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Spurs beat the Bucks 114-103. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) reacts after getting called for a foul in the third quarter during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Spurs beat the Bucks 114-103. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Pistons had a un-spectacular yet successful off season as they traded for two new starters in Marcus Morris and Ersan Ilyasova and also filled holes in their depth chart with the additions of Darrun Hilliard, Stanley Johnson, Steve Blake and Aron Baynes.

But which one of these additions will have the biggest impact?

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6. Drafting Darrun Hilliard

Darrun Hilliard was selected 38th pick in the draft. The Pistons hope that the 22-year-old Hilliard can provide shooting off the bench as he shot 38.7 from three last season with the Villanova Wildcats. However Hilliard’s shooting stroke disappeared during the NBA Summer League in Orlando, as he shot just 28 percent from the field.

His shooting struggles may cost him a rotation spot as he is already stuck behind Jodie Meeks and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope at the shooting guard spot. Don’t be surprised if you see Hilliard in the D-League for a good majority of the season.

5. Trading For Steve Blake 

Steve Blake is the most recent addition to Pistons. Blake was traded to the Pistons in exchange for Quincy Miller. Blake joins Reggie Jackson, Brandon Jennings and Spencer Dinwiddie in crowded Pistons backcourt.

Blake will likely be the second point guard on the depth chart at the beginning of the season as Brandon Jennings is recovering from an Achilles injury and Dinwiddie struggled in Summer League and looks like he is not ready for a spot in the rotation yet. Blake may be pushed further down the depth chart when Jennings recovers or if Dinwiddie impresses in training camp.

4. Signing Aron Baynes

The backup center spot has been a hole in the Pistons’ depth chart for the last two seasons as it was “filled” by a rapidly declining Joel Anthony and Josh Harrellson, who played just 32 games with the team in 2013-14. Fortunately for the Pistons, they may have found a long-term solution at backup center in Aron Baynes.

Baynes played his first three NBA seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. Last season, Baynes set career highs in points and rebounds while playing a large role off the bench for Gregg Popovich. There is no reason why Baynes can’t continue to improve his production while backing up Andre Drummond. Baynes can be used in variety of ways on offense.

However, he will be most valuable as a pick-and-pop threat as he has an impressive midrange touch. Baynes’s shooting range will be a valuable addition to the Pistons as they did not have many big men who were reliable perimeter threats last season.

 3. Trading For Marcus Morris

The Pistons were a major beneficiary of the Phoenix Suns’ moves to clear cap space, as they got a Marcus Morris who averaged double digits in points in exchange for just a 2020 second round pick. Morris is a versatile player who can be used either as a small forward or stretch-4.

Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy imagines Morris as the former. Morris’ value lies in his consistent shooting as he shot 37.3 percent on spot-up three point attempts last season. Having a player like Morris roaming the permitter will create driving lanes for Reggie Jackson or space inside for Andre Drummond.

2. Drafting Stanley Johnson

While Stanley Johnson may not be starter from day one, I imagine that he will have visible impact on the team, starter or not. Johnson will be a lockdown permitter defender that the Pistons have lacked since glory days of Tayshaun Prince. Last season Johnson ranked third on the Arizona Wildcats in defensive win shares.

However, Johnson is not just a one-trick pony as he is coming into the NBA with a ready offensive game. Johnson’s shooting form has taken criticism in the past, but no one can argue with the results (37 percent from three-point range last season). He also has shown no problem adjusting to the deeper NBA three-point line as he shot 41 percent from downtown during Summer League.

1. Trading For Ersan Ilyasova

Ersan Ilyasova was the Pistons’ first offseason acquisition and he will be the have a bigger impact on Detroit than any other player on this list. Ilyasova, who played his first seven seasons with the Bucks, has the potential to be the perfect frontcourt mate for Andre Drummond. Ilyasova’s shooting stroke will allow Drummond to operate inside with out fear of a double.

However the relationship is not a one-way street as Illyasova can play off Drummond as well. Ilyasova is not a strong defender and prefers to defend the perimeter rather than the inside. Ilyasova’s best season came in 2012-13 where he averaged 13.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game while playing next to interior defender Larry Sanders.

Drummond can allow Ilyasova to stick to defending the perimeter while he defends the interior, so it is natural to think that Ilyasova’s averages will return to where they stood in 2012-13.

Next: Houston Rockets: Grading The Offseason

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