This is the Detroit Pistons Biggest Problem...

The Detroit Pistons Have Had a Weird Offseason.

Jalen Duren still isn’t signed. Tobias Harris is now a Spur. And, they traded away Isaiah Stewart. Granted, they have actually made some solid moves on the margins this offseason. Getting off of Caris Levert’s contract and grabbing two solid depth pieces in Gary Harris & Taurean Prince is a genuine win. 

Adding Isaiah Joe will give Cade Cunningham another trusted spot up shooter who generally is among one of the best three point shooters by percentage in the NBA. 

John Collins should be able to cover the hole left by Tobias Harris.  The biggest issue of course is Jalen Duren. What in the world is going on there? Of course, most restricted free agents have not signed yet. But the difference is that this is a All NBA big we’re talking about. Obviously, his playoff performance was disgustingly bad. Nauseating even. 

On the other hand, he is incredibly young and was actually solid in his playoff run last season. Of course, this is very likely not a supermax player, but the team will be nowhere near what they were last season if he is not back in the fold.

Their other legitimate starting center option in Isaiah Stewart is gone. No disrespect to Paul Reed, but he’s very likely a career backup big. You have to get Jalen Duren and hope he lives up to the bill in the playoffs.

Until this point, it’s hard to see the Pistons matching their season from last year. Cade Cunningham obviously will keep the team competitive, but if the Jalen Duren issues continue to go into training camp and leak into the season there could be huge implications.

Of course, there could be trades to be made. Other teams could have a need for Duren’s services. However, the best option was very likely the Lakers, who have now found their answer in Walker Kessler. 

I just don’t think this team can call themselves a contender as they are currently constructed. And the longer Duren’s situation lasts, the less confident I think most people will be about this team.

At a certain point, the Pistons have to accept that overpaying Duren is the only right decision. Because there is quite literally no better long term solution than that, unless if you really believe in Paul Reed or John Collins as a small ball big. 

Me personally, I’m taking Duren. And I think the Pistons need to do the same.