The rebuilding Detroit Pistons have begun the second half of this season like they ended the first half; that will be with multiple losses. They have a record of 8-49, which puts them one game behind the Wizards and two games behind San Antonio for the worst record in the league. With 25 games left on the schedule (including 12 at home), Pistons fans and media who cover the Pistons are ready for this season to be over. What should we look for in this team for the rest of this rebuilding season? Let’s talk about it.
Auditions for those “One Year Left” Players.
The Pistons come into the 2nd half of the season with four players in the last year of their contract (Wiseman, Flynn, Muscala & Fontecchio) and four players in the final year of their guaranteed deal before it becomes a team option (Fournier, Milton, Brown Jr. & Grimes). Of these eight players, I am intrigued by two players. Those two players would be James Wiseman & Evan Fournier. One, I can see being here as the Pistons continue on this rebuilding team, while the other is looking for another opportunity.
James Wiseman’s Audition Tape For Greener Pastures.
My feelings about Wiseman have been made loud and clear throughout the season. The development of Jalen Duren has made playing time hard for Wiseman, but the skillset that Wiseman possesses should have him on the floor. You can possess all the skills, but if you don’t combine them night-to-night, you end up like Wiseman. At the same time, for a team that’s clearly in rebuilding mode, these are the moments you throw the minutes at a player to see what his long-term status with the organization will be. As of late, Wiseman has been playing, and his numbers are a testament to a guy who’s lost confidence.
Wiseman’s Last Seven Games
- 6.7 PTS
- 4.9 REBS
- 1.3 ASTS
- .5 BLKS
- 61% FG
- 60% FT
- 16.2 MPG
With no qualifying offer on the table to allow the Pistons to match any contract Wiseman gets in free agency this summer, Wiseman should be using these last 25 games to audition for a team that could use a 22-year-old center with unlimited potential. The question for Wiseman is, What will his playing time look like? The coaching staff has no intention of playing him, and he’s playing now because of Stewart’s suspension and the trade of Marvin Bagley III.
Evan Fournier.
Acquired in the Bojan Bogdanovic/Alec Burks trade at the trade deadline, Evan Fournier finally got his chance to play after being delegated to the bench by Tom Thibadeau. The Pistons will likely reject Fournier’s team option of about 14 million dollars, making him an unrestricted free agent. The question now becomes about Fournier returning on a cheaper deal, which I could see happening. On every young team, You need veterans who can hold the fort down and help the young guys stay even keel when things go wrong.
The projected guard rotation next season is Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Marcus Sasser, and Quinten Grimes, averaging 22.5 years. The future is bright in that position, but they still need guidance. During his 11-year career, Fournier is a career 13.9-point scorer while shooting about 38% from the three. Fournier has averaged 10.6 PTS, 3.0 REBS, and 1.2 STLS in just five games in Detroit. He’s shooting 51% from the floor and 45% from the three. If he continues to play well, I could see Fournier coming back. He could even play his way to the Pistons accepting his team option for the 24-25 rebuilding season.
From the second oldest player on the team to the second and eighth youngest, Ausuar Thompson and Marcus Sasser are playing pivotal roles in the Piston’s decision-making this summer.
The Rookies.
Ausar Thompson had a promising start to the season, but those numbers have dipped as his role has shifted. You can also say the same thing for Marcus Sasser. One of the harshest things about the NBA for rookies is hitting the “rookie wall.” Dominating for 25-30 games is one thing, but keeping up the same consistency outside of that is another thing. These are all growing pains of being a rookie (unless you are Victor Wembanyama), and they will soon go away. What helps is this rebuilding Pistons team isn’t looking for them to help with a playoff push.
Ausar Thompson… The Next Gerald Wallace.
When I look at Ausar’s play, He reminds me so much of Gerald Wallace. Ausar, Like Wallace, wasn’t the most excellent jump shooter, but his ability to attack the rim and play defense offset whatever he lacked offensively. It’s been an up-and-down season for Ausar when he starts or comes off the bench, which seems to throw his rhythm off a bit. With the starting small-forward as good as he is now, I am looking for Thompson to improve his jump shot and play defense without being too aggressive.
Marcus Sasser… A Future Sixth Man Of The Year Award Winner.
Marcus Sasser will be a 6th man award winner soon. He plays with an energy on both ends that will be key to the resurgence of the Pistons. Sasser is averaging just 7 points in 16 minutes, but he shoots 46% from the field and 42% from the three-point line. In addition to his shooting, I love the potential he brings on defense. He is currently out for the Pistons due to a knee contusion, but when he comes back, I am interested in seeing how he ends his rookie campaign.
One of the more exciting storylines will be the reunion of Sasser and Quentin Grimes. Grimes, like Fournier, also fell out of favor in New York and will get to showcase his two-way abilities in Detroit.
Quentin Grimes Can Be Something Special With The 2nd Unit.
It’s all about opportunity, and Grimes will have plenty of chances. His role is clearly defined with Jaden Ivey, the starting shooting guard. His debut wasn’t the most remarkable shooting-wise (2/8 FG & 1/5 3PT), but his impact defensively was felt (2 steals & 1 block). Against the Knicks (his old team), Grimes showed his two-way potential with 14 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal, and three blocks. Once Grimes becomes familiar with Monty Williams’s system, I expect his numbers to improve gradually.
This year hasn’t been anything to see. Little Caesars Arena is once again in the bottom half of attendance. I should have more than enough seats to see a Pistons game and enjoy the experience.
Attending A Game.
The last time I was at a Pistons game was the Pistons vs. Suns in 2020. It was an epic matchup between De’Andre Ayton and Andre Drummond. Andre Drummond was traded the next day to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and since then, I haven’t been to a game. As the season gets ready to come to an end and with 12 home games left on the schedule, These are the three games I am looking to attend.
- 3/17 vs. Miami
- 3/24 vs. New Orleans
- 4/1 vs. Memphis
I’ve never been to a Pistons game where the team has been good. They’re constantly rebuilding! I can’t wait to see this rebuilding finally be complete.
In Conclusion…
The Pistons will be a bad basketball team, but watching some young guys continue their development is essential. It’s crucial to watch Cade continue to take those steps as the leader of the Pistons leader. Watching Jaden Ivey showcase the abilities that made him the 4th overall pick will be fun. Jalen Duren and his continued growth to become one of the best young centers in the league. This is what the rest of this season is about for the Pistons. Let the young players continue to grow and figure out who will be a part of the restoration of DEETROIT BASKETBALL!
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