Who Stays & Who Goes For The Detroit Pistons
After completing their worst season in franchise history (14-68!) with a 123-95 loss to the San Antonio Spurs this past Sunday, it is obvious to everyone that major changes need to be made with the Detroit Pistons.
Even team owner Tom Gores (seen above) seems to have figured this out. The team announced on Monday night that Gores will hire a President of Basketball Operations to be the boss of unpopular general manager Troy Weaver.
The Pistons are in the worst two year stretch in the history of the franchise. After compiling a 17-65 record in the 2022-23 season, they finished with an NBA-worst 14-68 this season. They are guaranteed to have a top five pick in the June draft (it could be number 1 if they "win" the NBA Draft Lottery in May). And they'll also have one second round pick, too.
They also have cleared more than $60 million in salary cap space through various trades made this season (and it could be more than that if they decline the options on Even Fournier and Troy Brown, Jr.). That's good, except that...WHO THE HELL WANTS TO COME TO DETROIT AND PLAY FOR THIS STINKING OUTFIT??!!
Because Detroit is not a a free agent destination for NBA players, the team has to get lucky in the Draft and hope that some trades work out in the long run to make them competitive. That's how the Bad Boys were built in the 1980's and how the "Goin' To Work" Pistons were built in the early 2000's. Great draft picks, great trades, and a little bit of luck, too.
Having said that, here's who's likely to stay around next year:
Who Likely Stays With The Detroit Pistons Next Season
As for who goes?? Well, it's unlikely that the team will exercise the $19 million option for Evan Fournier. And if James Wiseman gets an exorbitant offer sheet from another team as a restricted free agent, the team may want to use that money elsewhere. The same is true for Simone Fontecchio. Troy Brown, Jr. and Malachi Flynn are iffy to return as well.
But once again, these are the Detroit Pistons. Do you even care in the first place???
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