The Pistons traded for Dennis Smith Jr. in early February, but they still didn’t get as much time as they had hoped to evaluate his future, writes Keith Langlois of NBA.com. Smith battled injuries after coming to Detroit, including left knee soreness that sidelined him for the final 19 games of the season.
Smith showed some promise in the 20 games he was able to play, averaging 7.3 points per game and shooting a career-best 35.2% from three-point range. His qualifying offer would be worth $7MM+, so it’s likely that he will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, especially considering the development of point guards Killian Hayes and Saben Lee.
“It’s been tough because this was the time for him to go out and show and be evaluated and get extended playing time,” coach Dwane Casey said in April. “It’s unfortunate he’s been hurt, but injury is something you have to deal with. We just have to figure out another way where we can evaluate him.”
There’s more from Detroit:
- The three-year, $60MM contract the Pistons gave to Jerami Grant was among the most surprising moves in free agency, but he rewarded their confidence by finishing second in this year’s Most Improved Player voting, says Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press. Grant averaged 22.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 blocks per game and was the runner-up to the Knicks’ Julius Randle. Grant recently told Sankofa that he plans to take another step forward next year. “I definitely prepare different this offseason,” Grant said. “I think every offseason I prepare differently, my roles change pretty much from year to year. I think it’s a new role for me, so I know what I need to work on.”
- The Pistons would be fine with either Evan Mobley or Jalen Green if they keep the No. 2 pick in the draft, according to Rod Beard of The Detroit News. Mobley is a seven-footer with the skills of a smaller player and plenty of value as a rim protector. Green could fill a need at shooting guard and could help as a shot creator.
- Detroit isn’t expected to be active on the free agent market, Beard adds in the same piece. General manager Troy Weaver recently said the Pistons don’t expect to have many roster spots available, and Beard believes the team will focus on keeping its own free agents.
As long as they don’t take Darko with the 2nd pick.
Detroit takes a lot of heat for that pick, but every other team would have made the exact same pick at #2 in 2003. I remember reading some arguments that Darko might even be a better pro than LeBron. Not many, but LeBron and Darko were clearly the top two picks of everyone back then.
The really funny part is that somewhere in this year’s top 5, there will be a Darko. It happens every draft, you just have to hope it isn’t your team that picks the bad egg.
Carmelo had just carried Syracuse to a National Championship and Dwayne Wade was a darling of most scouts at that time. The Pistons just fell in love with the Overseas player narrative that has been sweeping the NBA thanks to the success of Dirk Nowitzki. Yes, any team can be the one to crap the bed on a high pick, it seemed like there were so many surefire players in that top of the first round, there was no reason to roll the dice with the 2nd overall pick.
If DSJ never left Dallas I wonder if his career takes a different turn? I mean it couldn’t have turned out much worse. But put his athleticism next to Luka in a reserve role—could he be what Brunson is for Dallas, just more explosive?
Or maybe he just has instincts whatsoever, IDK. But I really thought he had a lot of upside coming in.
DSJ had a good rookie year. But a young player getting traded so early is basically just starting over. With players coming into the league so early, they are not learning the game in college and need to learn the game as they play. When you have to start over before you are really mastered, you just don’t have much of a chance. It CAN work out like with SGA, but it’s a lot more difficult.
Personally, I think the kid let it get to his head and felt entitled. His attitude never improved, nor did he look to drive, but rather complain. His body language said it all.
DSJ is not a PG… he just needs the ball in his hand so he knows where it is. He was once the MPJ… draft experts would say everyone should have picked him.
My friend x%sure… May I ask you what seems to be your problem with MPJ?
The guy is an absolute baller!!!
BTW I don’t get the fuss ’bout Grant, scoring with high volume, low %, no rebounding, like at all, just seems a unidimensional player, very overrated & overpaid… Man I am so happy DEN got rid of him, best move Nuggets made in a long time!
I am an MPJ doubter but that was not my point there.
Point was:
It was said of every team drafting in the lottery in MPJ’s year, that they should have drafted MPJ. A few years earlier, it was DSJ.
Denver is beating Portland, but not b/c of MPJ. He had a good first game in a loss, but mediocre in two wins. I am enjoying Morris, Howard and Campuzzo as much as Murray and Barton I think. Rivers has been crucial, offering size at least.
Smith imo has just lost his motivation. Instead of getting in best shape and showing every up. He keeps getting hurt. The guy is happy to collect 1st rd money. It’s a shame cause he has talent to at least be a rotation guy. Let’s face not all athletes have the Mamba mentality, or even 60% of it.
Grant is a pkayer who has gotten better every yr. One of best 2way players in hgt right now. At 27 Pistons seem like a young team for him. Considering they are in full rebuild. I know Thibs would love Grant at the 3. Pistons could get value for Grant. He would fit Knicks.