Fansided

5 offseason needs for the Detroit Pistons

By Ian Levy

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 22: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons sits between teammates Zaza Pachulia #27, left, and Ish Smith #14 after fouling out during the fourth quarter of Game Four of the first round of the 2019 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Little Caesars Arena on April 22, 2019 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. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 22: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons sits between teammates Zaza Pachulia #27, left, and Ish Smith #14 after fouling out during the fourth quarter of Game Four of the first round of the 2019 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Little Caesars Arena on April 22, 2019 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. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – APRIL 20: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons is introduced before Game Three of Round One against the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – APRIL 20: Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons is introduced before Game Three of Round One against the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2019 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Add shooting

The Pistons finished 23rd in the NBA in 3-point percentage and, with Reggie Bullock traded and Wayne Ellington unlikely to re-sign, Luke Kennard is the only player on the roster who looks like a game-changing shooter. Reggie Jackson hit 36.9 percent but that was a career-high and probably not reflective of his true ability level. Ish Smith and Langston Galloway had relatively good shooting years by their personal standards, but neither offers much stretch for a team that desperately needs it with Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond in the middle.

It would help if Thon Maker could hit some 3s, giving them a floor-spacing big off the bench but if they could find another reasonably priced big on the free agent market who can hit 3s, it would really help open things up. There’s no reason for Kennard not to be playing 30+ minutes per game next season, getting more value out of his shooting. But Detroit will also be looking to lure Ellington back or find someone to replace him. Someone like Seth Curry, or a blossoming of one of their young guards could have a huge impact.

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