DETROIT PISTONS

22-23 Finish: 31-52

Preamble

The Detroit Pistons, a storied franchise with a rich history, are a team on the rise, aspiring to regain their status as a force to be reckoned with in the NSL. The Pistons' journey toward success has been marked by both optimism and adversity. Throughout the previous season, they faced significant injury woes, with key players sidelined, and this undoubtedly impacted their consistency on the court. However, what stands out is their resilience and determination in the face of challenges.

The man behind the scenes, GM Sheed, has been orchestrating moves that show a keen eye for talent and a commitment to building a brighter future. The team's roster is taking shape with promising young players who are ready to guide the way � the stoicism in decision making is admirable from the GM, and I appreciate the vision. This vision for the Pistons is clear, and GM Sheed obviously believes in his crop to take the next step and have the likes of Simons lead the franchise forward.

The future looks bright for the Pistons, and their fans have every reason to be hopeful. The combination of youthful exuberance and veteran wisdom, along with Sheed's savvy moves in player acquisitions, positions the team for an exciting journey ahead. The Detroit Pistons are on the path to rekindling their winning tradition and becoming a powerhouse in the NSL once more.

Season Highlight:

Donovan Mitchell would be an absolute standout for the Detroit Pistons, putting up impressive stats that showcase his scoring prowess and overall offensive impact. Averaging 22.5 points per game, Mitchell has been a go-to scorer for the team, consistently putting the ball in the basket with remarkable efficiency. His ability to create and finish plays, whether through driving to the basket or hitting clutch shots, made him a force to be reckoned with.

Mitchell's impact isn't limited to just scoring. He's also been a valuable playmaker, dishing out 3.5 assists per game. His court vision and ability to create opportunities for his teammates have added another dimension to the Pistons' offensive strategy. Whether it's setting up open looks for his fellow players or running the fast break with precision, Mitchell's playmaking has been instrumental in the team's success.

His overall impact would inevitably keep the Pistons in the mix � so too his longevity of play. 70 games and 70 starts would make Mitchell the stronghold star that they needed in a topsy-turvy season.

Season Lowlight:

The record is a lowlight. They didn�t perform to the amount they should have in all reality. Sheed couldn�t get this team cooking. Spelling out the pathway forward and the need for change in the roster and organisation. A record of 31-52 is undeniably disappointing for the Detroit Pistons. In a competitive league, where every win and loss holds significant weight, a record like this falls significantly below expectations. The Pistons, and the front office would have been seeking that play-in or even playoffs spot and compete.

This 31-52 record highlights a season of struggles, marked by inconsistency and challenges. Specifically, an inconsistency in scoring and players. It likely means that the team fell short in multiple aspects, such as offensive and defensive execution, teamwork, and player development. Something that would be addressed by the office during the season and off-season.

For the dedicated fan base and the organisation itself, this record can be frustrating, as it means a lack of success and the absence of postseason opportunities. Their pick ultimately becoming Amen Thompson � thankfully they held Brooklyn Nets first which would be the next pick in the draft.

Best Trade:

Pistons send: Rudy Gobert & Edrice Adebayo
Pistons receive: Donovan Mitchell, Alec Burks, Reggie Jackson, Cedi Osman, Donovan Mitchell, Robert Williams, First-round pick (Brooklyn Nets, 4th overall, 2023) � Brandon Miller

On balance, it works out and has worked out to be in the favour of Detroit. Alec Burks and Cedi Osman provide depth and versatility on the wing. Donovan Mitchell would ultimately be the ace in the deal -a high-scoring shooting guard and a franchise player. Robert Williams, a promising young big man who can protect the rim and contribute on both ends of the floor. The 4th overall pick in the 2023 draft, Brandon Miller is a stud. Allowing for the front office to build a young core with plenty of depth. Coupled with Jalen Green, Ausar Thompson & Afernee Simons, the acquisition of Brandon Miller is exciting. We know the 2k presence of both Gobert and Adebayo, but with financial implications and longevity for the future, this trade is a franchise building deal in my eyes, and savy GM work from Sheed.

Worst Trade:

Pistons send: Kyrie Irving, Dillon Brooks & Pistons 25 & 27 1^st Round
Pistons receive:  Derrick Rose & Deandre Ayton

With the shedding of the volatile Irving & Brooks, the Pistons were about to send away relinquish some of the You have Kyrie Irving, an All-Star point guard with a strong offensive skill set and a top 5 point guard, and Dillon Brooks, who is a promising young player with a strong set of his own on both ends. Derrick Rose would bring that experienced point guard with a strong presence and leadership qualities, that you lose with Irving leaving. Deandre Ayton is the upside, as young and talented center in a new home, and a board monster. The issue lies with Irving and those picks. Picks that if they had their time over with the new set up, they might have wanted to keep. No one was to know what would happen with Irving, not even Kyrie would have known.

Free Agency:

Detroit enter free agency with 3 spots to fill and a bank balance of 150 GMs. The Pistons are ready to splash. While the record from last season doesn�t serve their interests, the fact they have the full balance to drop is worth discussing. With a current wage balance of 129 million, they have positioned themselves perfectly.

The Detroit Pistons find themselves in a highly advantageous position as they prepare for the upcoming NSL season. They have ample room to shape a competitive roster or develop as they currently hold their own 1st round pick for 2024. This cap flexibility offers the team great versatility in terms of player acquisitions and contract negotiations.

Moreover, the Pistons should have a full Mid-Level Exception (MLE) at their disposal, which grants them additional financial resources to secure talented players and enhance their squad. The MLE allows Detroit to go after players who can make an immediate impact on the court and contribute significantly to their goals.

With a blend of cap space and the MLE, the Pistons are well-positioned to build a balanced and competitive roster that can contend in the NBA. Their strategic approach to signing those final players, along with the judicious use of the MLE, can set the stage for an exciting season of basketball in Detroit. Pistons fans have every reason to be optimistic about the future and look forward to the team's continued growth and success.

Star:

Afernee Simons

The star is in fact, Afernee Simons and not his �STAR� counterpart from last season Donovan Mitchell. The reason I have selected him is because I strongly believe in his future as a franchise guard in Detroit. With the mix that they have built, he will not only thrive individually, but will add to the arsenal of the others around him. Last season he started 17 games from 17 appearances. He managed to amass 18.9 ppg, 4.1 apg, and 2.8 rpg, whilst also keeping his turnovers to one per game. His efficiency was low as he shot 37% from the field, and was -2.3 in plus/minus; that was a different team.

In this new setup, Simons can be that primary scorer or fascilitator, A role that he has already exhibited in the pre-season, he has seemingly gone through a 2k maturation process. The combination of Simons, Miller, Thompson, and Williams creates a dynamic and versatile backcourt that offers scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess. As they continue to gel and work together, they are poised to elevate the team's performance and make a significant impact on both ends of the floor. Pistons fans have every reason to be excited about the potential of this dynamic quartet and what they can achieve on the court.

Flop:

Donovan Mitchell

Oddly enough, the flop is probably the highly rated and favoured Donovan Mitchell. A star player in name, 2k attributes and muster, though the spider did not produce anywhere near the numbers required for a leading guard. This seemed a trend for many organisations, with the leading guards not being able to find their shot or break through big-man units. Donovan would only manage 22.5 ppg, 3.5apg and 2.5rpg � highlighting his lack of scoring and play making. GM Sheed must have had a frustrating time watching his leading man, play a cameo role for his side. Likewise an inefficient role, as he shot 33% from deep. This performance in a highly competitive season must have spelt curtains on his time, and inevitably meant he was shipped off.

Draft Grades:

Pick 4 � Brandon Miller

Pick 15 � Jalen Hood-Schifino

Notable Additions from Trades �

Pick 5 � Ausar Thompson

Pick 45 � Jalen Pickett

Pick 53 � Jalen Wilson

Grade: A

Brandon Miller, taken at the 4th overall pick, is an exceptional talent with immense potential. His scoring ability, versatility, and basketball IQ make him an exciting addition to the Pistons' roster. Miller's combination of offensive skills, including his scoring and playmaking, is poised to have an immediate impact, and his potential for growth is even more promising. He has all the attributes of a future star, and his presence on the court will undoubtedly make a significant difference for the team. Miller can be that alpha for the Pistons, and another potential franchise player.

Jalen Hood-Schifino, selected at the 15th pick, is another exciting prospect. He brings a well-rounded game with strong defensive capabilities, excellent ball-handling, and a knack for creating opportunities for his team. Hood-Schifino's work ethic and determination are exemplary, and he has the potential to become a key contributor to the Pistons' success. Allowing for a secondary or third option in the guard position, and plenty of upside in the future on any roster. His opportunities in NBA can also come to fruition one would imagine. Ultimately being used to bring Ausar Thompson over.

The Future:

GM Sheed has expertly crafted a balanced roster for the Detroit Pistons, combining seasoned veterans and young prospects in a versatile lineup. This mix ensures strength in the center, athleticism and experience in the power forward position, and depth in the small forward slot. The backcourt rotation is filled with exciting talents capable of scoring, playmaking, and strong defense. With the right coaching and development, this roster has the potential to become a dominant force in the NSL, offering Pistons fans a bright future to look forward to.

The starting five for the Detroit Pistons is an electrifying lineup, filled with seasoned veterans and budding young talents. Ivica Zubac, Robert Williams, and Nicolas Batum provide a solid foundation, while Jalen Green and Afernee Simons offer dynamic scoring potential.

What's truly exciting, however, is the presence of promising young players like Ausar Thompson, Brandon Miller, and Wendell Moore Jr. They add depth to the team and bring a wealth of potential to the court. The blend of experience and youth in this roster sets the stage for thrilling games and a bright future for Pistons fans to eagerly anticipate.

C: Ivica Zubac/ Richaun Holmes
PF: Robert William/ Nicolas Batum
SF: Ausar Thompson/ Brandon Miller / Wendell Moore Jr
SG: Jalen Green/ Alec Burks  
PG: Afernee Simons / Monte Morris / Kira Lewis Jr