The Pistons won’t have to make decisions on three young players with non-guaranteed deals until October, James Edwards III of The Athletic notes.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the Pistons had to decide whether to pick up the contracts of Bruce Brown, Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk and Khyri Thomas during the first two weeks of July with each player scheduled to make approximately $1.66MM next season. That date has been pushed back until after the playoffs are completed in Orlando.
It’s a given that Detroit will exercise its team option on Mykhailiuk and guarantee Brown’s contract, but Thomas’ situation is uncertain. He missed most of the season with a foot injury and returned to action shortly before the stoppage of play. The coaching staff believes Thomas can be a contributor, which helps his chances of getting his deal guaranteed, Edwards adds.
We have more on the Pistons:
- New GM Troy Weaver has said he’ll be looking for a high-character player in the lottery. That increases the chances that the team will draft Auburn’s Isaac Okoro, USC’s Onyeka Okongwu or Iowa State’s Tyrese Haliburton, according to Keith Langlois of Pistons.com. Though none are currently ranked at the very top of the draft, that trio consistently draws high marks among scouts, college coaches and NBA executives for their personality traits, Langlois adds.
- The mutual respect between Weaver and coach Dwane Casey bodes well for the franchise’s future, Langlois writes in a separate piece. Casey has proven he can develop talent and he has full confidence that Weaver will acquire the type of talent that can lift the franchise back to prominence, Langlois adds.
- Assitant GM Pat Garrity is leaving the organization. Get all the details here.
Pistons don’t trade up
Who will trade up?
I think Okaro & Okongwu interview and show off well, but don’t have that much to offer. Going for “good character” can be a trap; first or second generations have more politesse, work ethic and apparent ambition, while domestic players want to show some edginess. Bit they even out after spending more time with coworkers and hangers-on than parents.
Anyway. The Cavs got more from potential jerks (Irving, Love) than nice solid Canadians (Tristan, Bennett).
True. But high character from my understanding is more consistent work ethic and team oriented mindset I think. Not nice or polute. I think thats what he means
Yeah he means that… but, at the end of the day work ethic & all of that can’t beat talent. You can’t teach talent like you can inculcate hard work!
I think character can be pretty vague when it gets used, as well as being hard to grade on players from different backgrounds. It is kind of demeaning and possibly unfair to the top players not listed.
I hate to read too much into a reasonable sentiment made by the new GM, to a reporter probably tired of the existing leaders that they are expelling when possible. Just, right now it would be trendy for US prospects to show “leadership” by ragging on establishment values (maybe Ball from private schools), when new citizens are raising their kids to get along, like the Okongwus.
Also I am doubtful of Okongwu, who I think likes to show off by taking the time to “load up” when he jumps and does not take care of business in the paint like teams want from their big guy who can’t shoot.
And Okoro has relied on potential so far, so I am suspicious.
link to latimes.com
Amusing: his homecourt MC announcing him with every syllable: “Own! Yea! Cuh! O! Kong! Wuuuuuu!”
Scout: “He looks like he’s stronger than 19,” a scout from a Western Conference team said, adding that Okongwu’s draft stock is likely as high as it’ll ever be. “Not a great athlete, but a good athlete. He can shoot a little bit, can finish around the paint. He’s solid.”
Character is more about team goals. Would you rather have Kyrie or Bron. Both are stars but different characters. Pistons probably picking top 5. IMO they need to go full rebuild. Hayes is best pick for them. They can sign n trade Woods to Knicks. Move Rose and Griffin by trade deadline. Stock up on picks and young talent. Next yrs draft is loaded. They messed up on Drummond. Could of got at least a #1 pick.
Pistons in their rebuild just need to acquire talent and youth. Going for High character is a nice bonus also for chemistry.
I think from those three Halliburton would be the best selection. Him and Luke Kennard would form a nice duo in the backcourt.