Detroit Pistons Still In Need of Cade’s #2
The Detroit Pistons facing their most impactful offseason in decades have made one thing clear: Cade Cunningham is their identity. And the priority is improving the roster around him talent wise, while maintaining cap flexibility.
That is exactly how free agency has gone up to this point signing former LA Clipper John Collins and trading with OKC Thunder for sharpshooter Isaiah Joe. Those additions excited most fans, but it was starting to become clear that this roster would be drastically different.
Although fans were pleased going from 14 wins two years ago, to 60 wins last season, some worried too much is changing.
There was a time when Isaiah Stewart was the first name that came to mind when discussing usual identifiers of a good Pistons team. Toughness, defense, hustle and ready to fight have always been what defines a Detroit playa.
So it was no shock seeing Pistons nation surprised and saddened by Stewarts departure via trade to the Memphis Grizzlies. And that was followed by news of Tobias Harris signing with the San Antonio Spurs looking for a ring.
enough change or MORE needed?!
While additions of Collins and Joe are exciting, seeing them replace players rather than compliment, only raises more questions. It also brings players into focus like Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert and Marcus Sasser who’ve all been rumored to be on the move as well.
So again, what this REALLY boils down to is a belief in Cade Cunningham. Believing that tweaks to important positions around him would be enough to push this team over the edge, and into a finals appearance.
Before the draft Trajan Langdon stressed, more than usual, plans to build around the core-3 players. At the time it was assumed Stewart and Harris would be here to support Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson. And then imagine the free agency and draft additions WITH Harris and Stewart still here. But Langdon has proven more true to his word than any imagined.
With the addition of John Collins replacing Harris at the 4, the prevailing thought is an improved starting lineup. Although they added Isaiah Joe, the Pistons depth is underwhelming as presently constructed considering how the playoffs ended.
Following the Leader?
The current balance is more similar to how the NBA Champion New York Knicks are built. They relied primarily on the starting unit to provide the scoring and star power.
To be fair, even though a lions’ share will be on Cade’s plate just like with Jalen Brunson on the Knicks, others in the starting lineup MUST step up.
I’m looking directly at you Jalen Duren AND Ausar Thompson. RIGHT IN YOUR OPTIC STEMS!
The support Jalen Brunson received from OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns is what helped make the difference between playoff failure the last couple years, and a ring.
Well, that, AND OKC Thunder losing to the Spurs who had their number all year.
Article written by Brandon Dent
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