Detroit Pistons: 5 affordable free agent options
By Amaar Burton
4. Shane Larkin, PG
2017-18 salary: $1.5 million
After Kyrie Irving had to have knee surgery that ended his 2017-18 season, Shane Larkin moved up on the Celtics’ depth chart and started to show flashes of the ability and potential that made him a first round draft pick in 2013.
Larkin averaged 7.2 points and 3.8 assists in 12 regular season games after Irving left the lineup, playing over 24 minutes per game behind new starter Terry Rozier. Larkin had some standout moments in the first two rounds of the playoffs against Milwaukee and Philadelphia, but fell out of the rotation and didn’t make if off the bench in the Eastern Conference Finals against Cleveland.
With Irving (presumably) returning healthy next season and Rozier coming off a star-making playoff run, it doesn’t look good for Larkin getting much playing time should he stay in Boston.
If he hits the free agent market looking for a new place to play, Detroit could be that place.
The Pistons’ starting point guard, Reggie Jackson, has spent a lot of time over the past two seasons on the sidelines with injuries. Ish Smith is a capable backup and spot starter, but Larkin could certainly push him for playing time.