Big things ahead for the Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons certainly made their ‘stamp’ as new coach Maurice Cheeks would say. Tom Gores definitely showed the NBA that he is ready to spend and is tired of beginning the team’s off-season early. The Detroit Pistons inked a four year 54 million dollayr deal with nine year veteran; Josh Smith. Josh Smith came into the league playing the small forward position but he’s raised some question marks about his true position over his tenure. The 6’9 235 lbs veteran is among the league’s most athletic players it figures to bold well with the new modern style of play in the NBA. We know he’s quick enough laterally to defend quicker, more athletic wings and is physical enough to bang down low against stronger fours. Defense is not the problem with this acquisition. Offensively there are some question marks as to whether he fits or not. Josh Smith has a chip on his shoulder just as Joe Dumars and Maurice Cheeks do as well. Despite his strong statistical numbers, Smith has never been voted into the All Star game. This could be because he is known to be very wild at times, jacking up long two-pointers which are considered to be the worst shots in the NBA. He also shoots a low percentage from behind the arc. This presents a problem if the Pistons plan on playing him at the small forward position. The Pistons already face a problem with Monroe’s weak 15 foot jump shot, and the Pistons already have poor spacing. Did Joe Dumars really make another mistake? Rest assure, if average fans can figure out the poor spacing issues the Pistons are now presented with then the general manager can also identify that problem. Everyone is well aware of the situation but the signing was done anyway. “We like it but its not there yet. This is not it. We’ve got more stuff to do.” Joe Dumars made these comments in regards to the roster after the presser that was introducing Josh Smith. The Pistons desperately needed to take a step forward and progress because the situation they were in made it hard for free agents to climb on board. Though there was potential on the roster, veteran free agents don’t like the idea of playing with a team that is in the middle of a gradual rebuild. Josh Smith attracts future free agents and gives them reason to believe the Pistons are ready to win now, or else the lucrative offer would not have been made to the 27 year old. “I do believe it opens the gate now for other guys to know that they’re back in position to be a team that has an impact again.” What’s next for the Detroit Pistons? No one knows, but we know the Pistons are ready to be put back onto the map. We all heard the Rajon Rondo rumors, and there could be more that has not been leaked to the media. Something’s for sure; the Pistons are ready to make future moves and be players in the trading department. Even if the Pistons don’t find their trading partners this off-season, you should also rest assure that they became a much better team from all aspects of the game because the talent level is certainly there. “The way we look at it, we’re going to put our talent on the floor & let the other team worry about matching up with us.” This could be the ‘take you over the hump’ move as was the trade for Rasheed Wallace was in 2004. Brace yourself Pistons fans, the Detroit Pistons are making themselves relevant again and they have no choice but to do so with key figures in the organization looking to prove themselves.   Related Article Making sense of the latest rumors for the Detroit Pistons Follow me on twitter for the latest sports news @Moe_Ali01