Breakout seasons from Marvin Bagley III, Kevin Knox and Killian Hayes would go a long way toward a much improved season for the Pistons, Keith Langlois of Pistons.com writes. All three lottery picks have yet to fulfill their promise but could become part of the team’s core group if they establish a firm foothold in the NBA this season.
Bagley was re-signed on a three-year, $37MM deal this summer, while Knox received a two-year, $6MM contract after passing through two organizations. Hayes is entering his third year with the Pistons and projects as the second-unit floor leader.
We have more from the Central Division:
- The Pacers announced the signing of forwards James Johnson and Bennie Boatwright and guards David Stockton and Gabe York on Friday. Hoops Rumors has learned Johnson was signed to an Exhibit 9 contract while Boatwright, Stockton and York signed Exhibit 10 deals. An Exhibit 9 contract must be for one season and for a minimum salary. Generally speaking, if a player only receives an Exhibit 9 clause and not an Exhibit 10, it signals he won’t be joining the team’s G League affiliate if he’s waived before the season begins. Johnson spent most of last season in Brooklyn, averaging 5.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, and 2.1 APG in 62 appearances (19.2 MPG).
- Lonzo Ball‘s recovery from his persistent knee issues remains fluid, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago writes. The reason the Bulls haven’t officially put a timeline on Ball’s return is that they don’t really know when he’ll be back. Some days when Ball works out, everything seems fine. Other times, the knee flares up again. Ball, who hasn’t played since January, is doubtful for the start of the season.
- The Athletic’s Zach Harper gives the Pistons a B-plus grade for their offseason maneuvers. Adding point guard Jaden Ivey with their lottery pick, then trading for another to snare center Jalen Duren were the highlights of their offseason moves, with only the Knox addition ranking as a head-scratcher, according to Harper.
I would trade Olynyk 12m, Noe l 9m, Walker 9m, Hayes 5m, Duren 4m and Stewart 3m for To whenever Ayton can be traded for Ayton 31m, Shamet 9m, Craig 4m and Landale 1m. PG. Cunningham SG Ivey SF. Bey PF. Bagley C. Ayton. They still have a good bench.
The Detroit Pistons had a great off season. I would honestly give them a A. I think they will be a young great team very soon. When the Detroit Pistons are at their best they lead by a very good backcourt and Center. Isaiah Thomas Joe Dumars and Bill Lambier. Chauncey Billups Richard Hamilton and Ben Wallace. Now it’s Cade Cunningham Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren. I give them a year or two and they will be competing in the East. Then it will give them time to clean up their roster from the veterans like Kelly Olynyk Cory Joseph Kemba Walker Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks. It’s just the sad part is I’m not sure how long Dwane Casey will be around and will he see them at their best.
Ok then take out Duren and see if he can develop as a PF. I do give the pistons a A as well. I would rather have Mitchell (SF) over Ivey but whatever.. they should of kept Garza. Or trade Kelly and Stewart for Wiseman
That makes no sense at all. This is not 2k23 lol
Breakout season by Kevin Knox?
What?
Not sure Knox plays much, Burkes was who excited me from Knicks trade and Jalen Duran, who it sounds like Troy Weaver really liked.
I can see both Hayes and Bagley building off their play at the end of last season. Hope they have put in the work this off-season like Saddiq did.
I’m still shocked Ball isn’t getting another knee surgery. If his issues continue to linger many months after the expected timetable for recovery, it seems pretty clear either his surgery wasn’t properly done or it didn’t address the knee problem.
It’s sad to see Lonzo Ball having so many issues with his knee. He’s the perfect Point Guard for the Chicago Bulls. He can play defense and guard three positions. He’s a very good three point shooter and he’s great in the open court. They really need him. Even though they guard heavy and got some nice pieces ain’t nobody on this roster able to do everything Lonzo Ball do.
Bulls medical staff has been suspect for some time now. This is smelling lije the ‘he is going to be back any day now’ bs with DRose, which was almost 2 years of lying to season ticket holders.
Ball will be getting another surgery and be out for most of not all of this season, you heard it here first.
Breakout season for bagley huh? Any flashes of breakout from the past? Dudes thoroughly mediocre