5 players NBA teams wish they could have back on the roster

MILWAUKEE, WI - FEBRUARY 25: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball while being guarded by Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans in the third quarter at the Bradley Center on February 25, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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1. Khris Middleton

It honestly wouldn’t be surprising to find out not many know of Khris Middleton’s time with the Detroit Pistons considering it lasted less than 30 games during the 2012-13 season.

Detroit’s roster has been pieced together without really taking into account how those pieces fit together as a unit. Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond both operate best near the bucket, and the same could be said for guard Reggie Jackson.

Their starting wing spots are occupied by Reggie Bullock and Glenn Robinson III — not exactly the cream of the crop, or anywhere close to it.

Middleton, meanwhile, has slowly developed into one of the most underrated players in the league, a capable go-to scorer who can shoot from anywhere with the length and lateral quickness to switch pick-and-rolls and guard multiple positions out on the perimeter.

The former Piston is one of those players who can fit alongside just about any and all players as an efficient near 20 points per game scorer with defensive versatility.

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Detroit has a good amount of talent on the roster, but the fit is decent at best, as evidenced by their middle-of-the-pack 15-16 record. Middleton could’ve provided that complementary two-way wing the Pistons have been so desperately looking for, alleviating some of that clunkiness by filling in the gaps they need the most help with.