The Pistons have been linked to soon-to-be free agents Ryan Anderson and Al Horford as well as trade candidate Markieff Morris, as the team reportedly looks to upgrade its power forward slot. While the team maintains that it is happy with incumbent power forwards Ersan Ilyasova and Anthony Tolliver, the franchise likely wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to add an impact player. When explaining to Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press that the team was in no hurry to make a move, GM Jeff Bower said, “That upheaval creates upheaval throughout the locker room,” Bower said. “When you do make changes like that, you’d like to think you’re doing it for more than just minor, insignificant shuffling. Sometimes you need a major shakeup, but usually when those scenarios exist, you have a group you don’t think is functioning well and you don’t see a long-term lifespan with them.”
Ilyasova has been solid enough as the starter thus far this season, but his averages of 11.3 points and 5.6 rebounds are hardly earth-shattering. At 28 years of age, Ilyasova has likely peaked and it would be unfair and unrealistic for the Pistons to expect much more production from the veteran going forward. As a backup, Tolliver has been serviceable, but his 38% mark from the field is unacceptable for a big man in today’s NBA. Tolliver will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and only $400K of Ilyasova’s $8.4MM salary is guaranteed for 2016/17, so Detroit will certainly need to make a decision regarding the future of its four spot, though that may not occur until the summer.
This brings me to the topic for today: Who should the Pistons target to be their power forward for next season?
Anderson would be a solid addition, though with him reportedly in play for a maximum salary deal, he may not be the best value on the market. However, he would be a fine complement to center Andre Drummond, who needs more help from the team’s perimeter shooters if he wants to grow as an offensive player. Horford has the best track record among the potential targets mentioned, but I’m not certain he and Drummond would be a good fit together in the team’s offense. Drummond didn’t mesh well with former teammate Greg Monroe, and though Horford’s game is a bit more mobile than Monroe’s, I’m not so sure they wouldn’t have similar compatibility issues if paired together in Detroit. As for Morris, while he would certainly embrace the opportunity to rejoin his brother, it may not be the best move for the Pistons’ locker room given Morris’ difficulties in Phoenix.
But what say you? Who would be the best fit at power forward alongside Drummond in Detroit? Take to the comments section to share your thoughts and opinions on the matter. We look forward to what you have to say.
Anderson would be a better fit alongside Drummond. SVG’s offense needs all the outside shooting he can get, and Anderson definitely fills that need and he’s shooting at 40% clip, which is good for top 5 among PF’s. It also helps that Anderson played for SVG back in Orlando so there’s some previous ties there. I think adding Anderson can really push them as a playoff team; provided Detroit gets a better bench. All in all, Anderson would be the better fit for Detroit next season.
Yeah, Anderson is the way to go here, definitely. I don’t know that I’d pay the max, but I’d come close to it. He fits SVG’s style perfectly.
if they’re going to offer Anderson the max, they should do the same for Horford
Anderson might not be a max player, but there’s a chance he gets it with everyone having cap space. I’d bet on a deal similar to the one that Paul Millsap got last offseason, even though Anderson isn’t on Millsap’s level.
Anderson benefits from fitting into a system more than overall talent. Big men with range are very popular in the NBA right now, and Anderson will probably get generous offers from several teams.