The Detroit Pistons have engineered probably the most spectacular turnarounds in NBA historical past. Simply two years in the past, they had been within the midst of a 28-game dropping streak. Now, they’re the highest seed within the East, and are a championship contender.
Cade Cunningham has been on the head of the turnaround, however different members of Detroit’s younger core like Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, and Ron Holland have all taken steps of their video games. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has instilled a tradition of toughness and a high-level protection that makes the Pistons a troublesome out each night time.
Detroit does have their flaws that would come again to chew them, primarily when it comes so spacing the ground. With the commerce deadline developing, there might be one big-time transfer on the market that might put the Pistons excessive.
The Detroit Pistons ought to go all-in for Memphis Grizzlies ahead Jaren Jackson Jr.
The 2023 Defensive Participant of the 12 months has been one of many NBA’s finest rim-protecting stretch bigs over the previous few seasons. This yr, he’s averaging almost 19 factors per recreation, six rebounds, and virtually two blocks, whereas additionally capturing 37 p.c from three-point vary on almost 5 makes an attempt per night time.
Jackson Jr. would slot in with Detroit’s defensive id and would kind a nasty frontcourt tandem with Duren. Jackson Jr. is at his finest when he has one other huge man subsequent to him, which is why he and Zach Edey have had a lot success over the past two years.
Think about having to cope with Thompson on the level of assault and have Duren and Jackson Jr. behind him. The Pistons would simply have one of many extra harmful defensive trios within the league.
Jackson Jr.’s floor-spacing would even be an enormous addition for Detroit. The Pistons are one of many worst capturing groups within the league. They’re 18th in three-point proportion, twenty sixth in three-point makes per recreation, and twenty seventh in makes an attempt. Cunningham has restricted house to drive to the basket and he would profit from having a pick-and-pop associate like Jackson Jr.
With Memphis already purchasing Ja Morant, the thought across the league is that Jackson Jr. might be the following domino to fall. If the Grizzlies do make him obtainable, the Pistons ought to pounce. Including him would make them extra of an entire championship contender and would lengthen their championship window as effectively.
