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Detroit Pistons: Playoff Sweep Doesn’t Dim Bright Future

By Josh Cornelissen

Apr 22, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy talks with guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy talks with guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Pistons fell in a hard-fought sweep to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but their future is still very bright. This offseason could propel them to even greater heights next season.

The Detroit Pistons’ most meaningful impact on the 2015-16 NBA season may have been waking up the Cleveland Cavaliers. After a close to the regular season that had many doubting their ability to succeed as a team, the Cavaliers took everything Detroit had to throw at them and survived, knocking off the Pistons Sunday night to complete a four-game sweep.

Kyrie Irving led the way for the Cavaliers, scoring 31 points, including four 3-pointers, in the 100-98 Cleveland win. J.R. Smith also lit it up from behind the arc, with five threes making up all of his 15 points. Andre Drummond and Tobias Harris combined for 40 points and 24 rebounds, while Marcus Morris led the way with 24 for the Pistons.

Reggie Jackson had the ball in his hands at the end of the game with a chance to tie or score and instead chucked up a terrible shot trying to draw a foul.

Jackson’s shot was a disappointing end to a disappointing series, but that comes at the end of a season full of encouragement and growth for this young Pistons team. Coach and team president Stan Van Gundy has crafted a team that fits his philosophy and it has played hard for him. To continue that upward trajectory in the offseason, the Pistons have some decisions to make.

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How Much Cap Space Do They Want?

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The Pistons could have around $22 million in cap space this offseason if they elect not to bring back any of their free agents or players with non-guaranteed contracts other than Andre Drummond.

With Drummond’s low cap hold, the Pistons will have the option to go after a big name player in free agency, or — more likely with Van Gundy’s track record — a few different supporting players.

Detroit had some such players on their roster this season. Steve Blake served as the backup point guard for much of the season, but he is 36 and was mostly useless in the playoffs. Anthony Tolliver provided value as a rotation forward with range, but he is likewise in his 30s and may not fit the timetable Van Gundy has crafted.

If Detroit retains Spencer Dinwiddie’s small contract as a cheap third point guard, but lets the other players go, their $21 million in cap space will give them the flexibility in free agency to make moves, either signings or trades. They can then decide how to address their two biggest needs: a competent backup point guard and another big man.

Should They Draft Big or Small?

Detroit has the 18th pick in the first round, right in the middle of one of the weaker and nebulous drafts in some years. Although there are only two real “stars” getting the bulk of the pre-draft hype and a number of other players with question marks, there are a lot of players with upside that could fit Detroit’s needs.

If the Pistons look to address their backup point guard here, one guy they could target is Demetrius Jackson out of Notre Dame. The junior can both shoot and pass, similar to starter Reggie Jackson, and provides the athletic upside Van Gundy has seemed to value. Another option is Tyler Ulis, who while just 5-foot-9 was an elite playmaker in college at Kentucky.

Dejounte Murray out of Washington has one of the highest ceilings in the draft if the Pistons want to swing for the fences.

A number of talented big men could be available for Detroit as well. Domantas Sabonis dominated NBA-level big men in the NCAA tournament this season and brings rebounding and intensity from the 4/5 positions. Diamond Stone could mirror some of the same attributes of Drummond in a smaller role, albeit with considerably less athleticism.

Thon Maker is a raw prospect with unknown potential and could be a wild card for Detroit.

Can Detroit Lure Another Star?

Detroit’s approach the last few seasons under Van Gundy has been to acquire young talent through trades, using team control to re-sign them as restricted free agents if necessary. That’s what they did with Marcus Morris, Tobias Harris and Reggie Jackson. Before Donatas Motiejunas’ aborted trade, they were near doing just that again at the deadline.

Therefore 2016 marks the last free agency period Detroit can truly dive into, with Drummond’s max contract extension coming in July. Due to cap rules the Pistons can agree to terms with Drummond, then sign one or more other free agents into cap space before officially re-signing Drummond and going over the cap.

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Detroit doesn’t have enough cap space to go after the biggest stars, nor will they go after aging players. They have demonstrated they are investing in a young core that can grow together; none of their top rotation players are older than 26.

Rising/fringe stars such as Harrison Barnes, Evan Fournier or Festus Ezeli may also look at the loaded core of the rotation and feel there would not be enough playing time for them.

Jordan Clarkson is an intriguing option if he’s willing to come off the bench; he could lock down the swing-guard role behind Jackson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and fit their timetable. Another ball-handling option is Evan Turner, who is miscast as a star player but provides intelligence and playking from the 2-guard position.

Jeremy Lin is another swing guard who could be a solid fit in Detroit.

Looking at big men, Boban Marjanovic is a behemoth with a tantalizing skillset and upside. His next contract is capped because of the Arenas rule, which means Detroit could afford him and throw the highest possible amount his way. Amir Johnson, Bismack Biyombo and Jordan Hill are also options to back up Drummond and Tobias Harris.

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In all, Detroit’s future is bright. The core is young, athletic, and locked in for years to come. Natural growth from Stanley Johnson, KCP and Harris, as well as the best free throw shooting coach money can buy for Drummond, could be paired with smart drafting and free agency work to not only keep Detroit in the playoffs, but prepare them to ascend in the standings for years to come.

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