The Pistons have been out of the playoff race for a long time, but they still have some important work to do in their final 23 games, observes Keith Langlois of NBA.com. Part of that mission includes seeing what they have in a pair of reclamation projects who were once considered elite draft prospects.
James Wiseman was acquired from the Warriors at the trade deadline, but because a health issue involving Gary Payton II held up the deal, Wiseman only appeared in one game before the All-Star break. He displayed a glimpse of the potential that caused Golden State to take him with the No. 2 pick in 2020, posting 11 points and five rebounds in 24 minutes.
Detroit has to determine how Wiseman can fit with the team’s other young big men. He has been used exclusively at center during his brief NBA career, but Langlois believes the Pistons will want to test out a lineup with Wiseman at power forward alongside rookie center Jalen Duren. The addition of another seven-footer seems to indicate that Isaiah Stewart will now be used primarily at power forward, Langlois adds.
Detroit will reportedly sign R.J. Hampton sometime after he clears waivers on Thursday. Hampton hasn’t made an impact in his first two NBA stops, but he’s only 22 and a rebuilding team like the Pistons could give him an opportunity for regular playing time.
There’s more from Detroit:
- Cade Cunningham is still recovering from season-ending shin surgery in December, but the Pistons are optimistic about his long-term prognosis, Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press writes in a mailbag column. Cunningham hasn’t been cleared to play 5-on-5 yet, but team officials believe he’ll be ready for full summer workouts once the season ends. Sankofa notes that Cunningham has been dealing with soreness in his left shin for several years, so there’s hope that he’ll be pain-free next season.
- Jerami Grant could become a target for the Pistons in free agency, Sankofa adds. Grant, who Detroit traded to the Trail Blazers last summer, hasn’t decided on a four-year, $112MM extension offer from Portland. If he turns it down, Sankofa sees Grant as an obvious target for general manager Troy Weaver, who could have up to $40MM in cap space to work with this offseason.
- Marvin Bagley III participated in most of Wednesday’s practice and coach Dwane Casey said he’s close to returning, Sankofa tweets. Bagley has missed the past 19 games after having surgery on his right hand.
What’s up with the pistons trying to turn centres into PF’s?
First Stewart and now Wiseman?
What are they going to do next, put Bagley at SF because they traded Bey?
I understood with Stewart cause of his size but it’s a reach to out Wiseman there. Bit of a shame too cause I like Wiseman’s do want him to have a good opportunity but at the same time I also like Duren and thought he’d be playing really well. The move really didn’t benefit them at all.
Houston Rockets played Hakeem Olajuwon at Center and 7 ft 4 Ralph Sampson at power forward for a year or two. Twin Towers worked fine because Sampson was mobile could run and shoot.
James Wiseman is much the same but less developed. He can run and shoot it would be a fantastic 7 ft power forward. There were actually a lot of 7 ft power forwards who played with centers. Tim duncan, Kevin garnett, Kevin mchale, there’s been a bunch.
It’s not totally out of the realm of possibility, except for the fact that the last few years have gone small ball more so than in the past. Lineups are getting smaller. But I think it’s a decent idea. Why not, they got him cheap. Run him out there and see if he can play.
Evan Mobley right now. Bol Bol also.
They need to evaluate the talent as much as they can to make a decision on Draft day.
If they get the #1 overall pick, they need to know who they are trading. Who won’t fit next to Wemby.
They also need to do it just for long term eval, these guys are going to come up on contract extensions sooner than later. Worst situation is what you had in Philly – Nerlens, Okafor, Embiid and waited too long to trade the former.
TrUsT tHe PrOcEss
A bunch of teams also run 6’8 point guards now doesn’t mean I want to see Zion at the 1.
I just think with Wiseman having had a very rough start to his career and having very limited game time you now trade Saqid Bey for James Wiseman only to try change him for a centre to a PF doesn’t make that much sense. Especially considering he’s approaching needing a new deal. From a players perspective he’s now trying his best to stay fit and healthy and adjust to a new team and also learn a new whole position. And from a team perspective you’ve traded a good young player for a huge unknown and asking a lot of him and will shortly need to resign him aswell.
David Robinson and Tim Duncan were able to do it as well because the big fundamental was so lethal with his bank shots at the 4. Granted, todays nba putting such an emphasis on switch ability begs the question of how this works defensively. I think offensively they could work, especially since it seems like wiseman is comfortable playing away from the basket.
I see Grant being able to go to any team via sign & trade. The Blazers would gladly facilitate, and get something instead of nothing. The teams with cap next season don’t need him, or he doesn’t want them. Detroit might fall under both categories.
Wiseman wouldn’t drink the “Kool aid” wink wink so Warriors cut him loose for a song. Extended rehab for James but Curry is back in days. It all makes too much sense.
Curry = Kerr E?
Lol what are you even trying to say??
I never really thought Wiseman got a fair shake in Golden State, but I have a feeling it very well may be their loss
Wiseman didn’t play by the “rules” in Oakland. There is a lot of weird stuff going on possibly related to drugs. Wiseman just a kid didn’t want to mess up his future. Drayton is this very intense guy with a history of aggression. Klay is so moody. Hallmarks of steroid abuse. I have no proof but ever seen oceans 11? They got away with it too. I think. I actually never saw it either. But you know what I mean…
No one knows what you mean lol
Wiseman will be an all star center…..
It’s that simple. These writers should actually watch the games !!!!!!
The one who looks like he can play the 4. Is Duren. As displayed by his Spurs gm (30 pts, 17 reb).
Stewart has always been a 4. And Wiseman will never be a 4…..
I like Wiseman to Detroit but moving him to PF? Duren is 6’10 maybe and really young, so have him jacking up threes now. Wiseman at center and I Stewart PF/C. Waive Noel. Draft a young SF in the draft and trade Bagley for bench help but I’m sure this is were they mess things up