A look at the Detroit Pistons’ midseason – The Oakland Post

Photo courtesy of the Detroit Free Press

The Detroit Pistons have had a pretty bad offseason so far.

Newly Appointed President of Basketball OperationsTrajan Langdon has made some quick, strategic moves, starting with hiring a new head coach, JB Bickerstaff.

Bickerstaff played five years with the Cleveland Cavaliers, leading a team that reached the playoffs. His dynamic coaching style helps the team reach its potential.

The Pistons have added more to their core and acquired the exciting 19-year-old Ron Holland as the fifth pick in the 2024 Draft, who last played for the Ignite in the G-League.

Holland was already a highly regarded prospect and will serve as a great inside player. The NBA Summer League is a great opportunity for newcomers to showcase their talents, and Holland did just that.

Bobi Klintman, the 37th choiceproving he could be the steal of the draft, he also put in an all-around performance during Summer League — averaging 11.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and four assists. Both Holland and Klintman have the size and have shown promise to have a positive impact on the upcoming season, promising to inject fresh energy into the lineup.

Other big news for the Motor City

Langdon’s next task was to ensure that Cade Cunningham remained for a long timeCunningham is the cornerstone of Detroit’s future and the star cemented his commitment by signing a record-breaking $226 million extension to his rookie contract, which will run for a maximum of five years.

With this signing, Cunningham became the highest-paid player in franchise history.

Cunningham averaged 22.7 points per game, 7.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game last season while making 45 percent of his field goals. What he showed on the court last season justifies the franchise’s investment, and for Cunningham, it’s a well-deserved contract.

Free agency and barter

The Pistons had a large amount of money in free agency funds and used it to bolster their roster. After representing the Pistons from 2016-18, they welcomed Tobias Harris returns on two-year, $52 million contract. When Tobias was last in Detroit, he was only 23 years old. Now, with 13 years of experience as a professional player, he has a goal for the team.

“To be the best leader I can be for this group,” Harris said. “Making sure every guy on this team reaches his potential within his ability. That’s the biggest goal for me.”

Last season the Pistons were missing an experienced player, could his style and knowledge be the boost the Pistons need?

The pistons too Tim Hardaway Jr. acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in a trade deal after reaching the Western Conference finals last season. Hardaway Jr. will be another addition to help mentor. Hardway Jr. averaged 14.4 points per game, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists last season.

To help the Pistons become a team that is a threat from beyond the three-point line, the team has also brought in Malik Beasleya volume shooter who made 41% of his three-pointers in the 2023-24 season.

What else is important about the selection?

The Pistons still have Jalen Duren. The center was selected as one of 15 players to play for the US men’s national teamand throughout the game he showed that he has expanded his game and is more comfortable shooting from mid-range. And of course he has powerful dunks on some of the best players in the game.

Ausar Thompson hopes to make a full recovery and be able to play basketball again, which is a good sign – especially defensively for the team.

As for Jaden Ivey, we can predict he’ll have a breakout year considering he wasn’t as heavily involved in the rotation last season.

All in all, the Detroit Pistons can turn the tide with this new roster and there is good hope that they can become a team that can compete.