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NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 offseason targets for the Detroit Pistons

By Jeremy Lambert

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 26: Stanley Johnson #7 and Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 26, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 26: Stanley Johnson #7 and Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 26, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With limited cap space and assets and no coach, the Detroit Pistons don’t have a lot of wiggle room in the offseason. But here are five guys who could help.

The Detroit Pistons shocked the basketball world last season when they acquired Blake Griffin from the Los Angeles Clippers. The move was made in an effort to secure a playoff spot and potentially pull off a first round upset.

It didn’t work. The Pistons ended with a 39-43 record, finishing ninth in the East.

Griffin and Andre Drummond showed flashes of low-post dominance and chemistry, but also made for an awkward pairing with similar skills. The annual injury to Reggie Jackson proved to be a setback as well. The trio of Jackson, Drummond, and Griffin played just four games together, sharing the court for a grand total of 44 minutes.

Head coach Stan Van Gundy was dismissed in the offseason. In four seasons as the bench boss, he made the playoffs just once. Detroit did not win a playoff game in his lone appearance.

The Pistons enter the offseason certain about their cloudy future. The core of Griffin, Drummond, and Jackson is unproven. As individuals, all three have All-Star potential. But they come with injuries and inconsistencies. They have no first-round pick, having traded it to acquire Griffin. They also have no head coach, which is a pretty important spot to have filled. Furthermore, they have little financial flexibility due to the contracts of their aforementioned “Big” 3.

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