Detroit Pistons stock up, stock down

Entering the 2022-23 season, the Detroit Pistons were solely focused on internal development. There were no expectations on anybody's shoulders other than to show signs of growth. Yet, that didn't stop the front office from changing course after the season concluded. The Pistons fired Dwane Casey and made a record offer to Monty Williams to be their new head coach.

As such, Detroit's new head coach will begin to take stock of his new roster. Here are four Pistons who either saw their value rise or fall this season. 

Stock Up 

Jaden Ivey, guard: Ivey had some legitimate expectations on his shoulders after being taken with the fifth overall pick in 2022. Yet, somehow, the Purdue product managed to exceed those expectations. Ivey ended the season averaging 16.3 points, 5.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds, shooting 41.6% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range.

For a rookie, Ivey had an impressive amount of poise and control in his game. When paired with Cade Cunningham, the Pistons clearly have an exciting backcourt for the future. However, Ivey's next big test will be to build on his impressive rookie year. Defenses will know what to expect from the 21-year-old next season. Teams will have more comprehensive scouting reports on how to limit his effectiveness. 

Ivey will need to add new dimensions to his game this summer if he wants to continue building toward stardom. Fortunately, Williams knows a thing or two about developing guard talent, which bodes well for both Cunningham and Ivey. 

James Wiseman, center: When the Pistons acquired Wiseman at the Feb. 9 trade deadline, a lot of eyebrows were raised. Detroit already had a young big man on its roster in Jalen Duren, and he was exceeding his predraft expectations. However, once he was incorporated into the Pistons rotation, Wiseman began to impress.

Starting 22 of the 24 games he played in, Wiseman produced a statline of 12.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, shooting 53.1% from two-point range. Still, there are questions surrounding the 22-year-old's defense and motor, which both remain a concern. Nevertheless, Wiseman has earned a spot in the Pistons rotation next year, but it will likely be on the bench. 

With next season being the final year on Wiseman's contract, the pressure will be on him to earn a new deal. 

Stock Down

Marvin Bagley, forward: Bagley impressed when he joined the Pistons midway through the 2021-22 season. Yet, his first full year in Detroit was far less encouraging. Bagley has some serious competition for playing time on Detroit's roster. With two years remaining on his current contract, the Duke product could be fighting to save his NBA career.

Bagley's biggest issues are his defensive positioning and hip dexterity. Far too often, the 24-year-old finds himself getting smoked by smaller ball-handlers. There were also injury issues at play this past season, limiting Bagley to just 42 appearances. 

Until Bagley can improve on the defensive end, his offensive production will be empty calories. Unfortunately, with the new collective bargaining agreement looming, NBA teams can't afford an empty-calorie diet. As such, the next two years will be pivotal for Bagley's career at the highest level. Maybe another trade might help. 

Nerlens Noel, center: How did it all go wrong for Noel? Once viewed as an imposing rim protector, Noel is now looking down the barrel of obscurity. Having played just 14 games in the first half of the season, Detroit failed to move him at the Feb. 9 trade deadline. As such, Noel was eventually bought out of his contract.

An uninspiring stint with the Brooklyn Nets saw him play just three games in the second half of the season. And now, Noel is likely wondering where his next contract is going to come from. In fairness, the deck was stacked against the Massachusetts native in Detroit. The Pistons boast multiple young and talented centers. Nevertheless, it would appear that the competition level failed to inspire Noel, leading to his limited role off the bench. 

Unless a contending team sees value in having Noel at the end of their bench next season, a career abroad might be beckoning.