Trajan Langdon: Detroit Pistons Can Compete This Year

DETROIT, MI – The Detroit Pistons offseason has gone exactly according to Trajan Langdon’s stated plans. He vowed they would play it safe in order to keep their short and long term cap and roster flexibility.

“We wont be super aggressive,” Langdon said. But he would consider the right deal if it didn’t “hamper the future.”

The more he talks, the more it reinforces the idea that Langdon REALLY believes in this young core. And his statements following Chaz Lanier’s introductory press conference only bolstered that narrative.

That thought was reinforced after hearing his enthusiasm for flexibility they’ve created this offseason, but that he’s not in a hurry to cash in just yet.

Even after acquiring flexibility with a trade exception via the Sacramento Kings as part of the Dennis Schroder sign and trade, he remained non-comital to its use.

“This will allow us different avenues to do things now or later, but we’re not in a rush,” Langdon said. “We’re excited about the roster we’ve put together.”

And he didn’t stop there with his praise of the team, further pushing the envelop on just how much he believes.

“I think we have a chance to compete next year, I think the main thing is letting these young guys continue to develop. I said in the summer if they get better, we get better.”

This was the first time he’s accompanied his constant refrain of belief in this young core, with tangible expectation.

In an Eastern Conference devastated by injuries many fans believed the time was now to strike in free agency. Especially after seeing teams like the Orlando Magic seemingly boost their positioning acquiring Desmond Bane.

Now, it’s one thing to solidify improvement from one season to another. But are the Pistons truly contenders?

After taking a historic and unexpected leap last season the Pistons are now boldly claiming to be ready for more.

He compared the return of Jaden Ivey to bringing in a new free agent, and that Ausar Thompson’s physique has filled out over last season. When looking at the Magic it’s a lot more than bringing in Bane that makes them a threat in the East. But also the young players they drafted leading the way in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

Do the Pistons have two young players on their level? Cade Cunningham is an obvious answer, but they need another player to step up towards stardom.

Who else do you believe is the closest to taking the next steps in order for the Pistons to compete as Langdon believes?