The Detroit Pistons are ready for the upcoming season and hope to make a deeper playoff run after finally getting a taste of postseason basketball last year. However, it remains to be seen just how good this team can be.
The main concern is shooting, especially for a team that relies heavily on its defense. Last season, Detroit was able to hold opponents in check with its defense, even when the offense struggled to score consistently.
“Most notably, the Pistons are even snagging wins when they shoot poorly from beyond the arc. In an era of basketball where consistency from three-point range is preached as paramount, the Detroit Pistons are winning in their own way. Their tough defense and efficiency inside the paint has defined their identity this season,” SI’s Aidan Chacon wrote.
However, with the Eastern Conference looking increasingly competitive this season, Detroit will need to find more ways to generate offense. The Pistons have reportedly shown interest in Kyrie Irving.
“And if Detroit has the stomach to go after it this year, they could go after someone like Kyrie Irving in Dallas -- several staffers are fond of Irving's game, shot creation and malleability next to ball-dominant stars like James and Luka Doncic,” ESPN’s Vince Goodwill wrote.
A potential trade for Irving isn’t too far-fetched. NBA insider Marc Spears believes that if the NBA champion requests a trade, the situation could be handled smoothly.
“Masai also has a really good relationship as you mentioned with Kyrie Irving. I think it's the kind of relationship where if Kyrie says, hey, Masai, like, this isn't for me, I think they could work together to get something done. I don't think would be something ugly. I think there would be interest in Kyrie if he's as healthy as he looks,” Spears said.
As the season progresses, this will certainly be a situation to monitor. Detroit pursued several big names this summer but was unsuccessful in its efforts, so the front office could make another push if it believes the right opportunity presents itself.
Irving is currently in the final year of his $118 million contract. The Pistons have plenty of promising young talent, and pairing Cunningham with Irving could give Detroit an exciting backcourt duo, especially if the team can convince Irving to re-sign.
