After they selected Ausar Thompson with the No. 5 pick in Thursday’s draft, the Pistons started making phone calls in hopes of landing Marcus Sasser, writes James L. Edwards of The Athletic. General manager Troy Weaver had been hearing rave reviews from his scouts all season about the Houston guard, whose combination of shooting, defense and self-confidence made him a target late in the first round or early in the second round.
Detroit found a willing trade partner in the Celtics, who agreed to swap their newly acquired pick at No. 25 in exchange for the 31st selection and two future second-rounders. While it could be viewed as a high price to move up six spots, Weaver wanted to be sure he was in position to grab Sasser.
“You can talk about his shooting, defense, but he’s a rock … steady,” Weaver said. “He brings it every game. You never have to worry where he’s going to be, what he’s going to do. He’s rock solid. We wanted to add this stabilizing player and personality to the restoration. We pushed our chips in and went and got him.”
There’s more from Detroit:
- If Sasser is going to have an immediate role, it will create a logjam in the backcourt for a team that used first-round picks on Killian Hayes, Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey over the past three years, Edwards adds. The Pistons hold a $10.4MM option on veteran guard Alec Burks that Edwards expects them to exercise, so a battle for playing time is shaping up. Edwards suggests that Weaver may look to trade either Burks or Hayes, who is eligible for a rookie-scale extension this offseason.
- Thompson spent a few days in Detroit when he and his brother traveled there for a workout and he got a strong indication that the Pistons were going to draft him, Edwards adds in a separate story. “They told me I fit where the modern NBA was going — having multiple facilitators on the court, being able to come off screens, play defense.” Thompson said Thursday shortly after hearing his name announced. “That was one of the main things. I just felt the chemistry while being there. I was excited being there. I left there impressed. I thought this would be a place that I’d be very happy ending up. Now look at me.”
- Ivey, Jalen Duren, James Wiseman and Isaiah Livers are all expected to play at least one game in the Summer League, Edwards tweets.
Pistons have a log jam in guards and centres. Cade Ivey Killian Sasser and Burks in the back court and Wiseman Duren Bagley Stewart and Livers in the front court.
I also worry about the lack of shooting in Ausar.
I feel that Detroit has a lot of good young players and are clearly thinking about flipping the switch from rebuilding but because of the construction of the roster and expiring deals this year they will be “rebuilding” for another season.
They dipped there toes into the trade market for a 3 and D wing but ultimately didn’t do anything.
Ultimately I think the core is Cade Ivey and Duren and you need to start building around them at some stage. Killian has had plenty of time and opportunities, Bagley is also done if you ask me and lastly Stewart has a good trade market I’d definitely consider deals on him.
I’d like to Draymond on this team think he’d be great for helping Cade and Duren in particular, aswell as the home coming and culture shift he would provide but he’s not coming back to lose.
So instead id throw Miles Bridges an offer, have him return home, redemption season. Think he would give them a good scoring option, he’s good defensively, can play either forward spot and would go well with Cade and that core I mentioned. I’d also keep tabs on Obi Toppin. He’s about ready for a trade and a showcase season. But for now you don’t need another PF and what will Obi cost.
To summarise.
Get whatever you can for Hayes (draft capital)
Shop Bagkey and see what’s out there
Go big for Miles Bridges in FA
Then lastly try trade Stewart for Toppin
Your first two points I agree with.
Not completely sold on Bridges.
Stewart for Toppin is a terrible trade for Detroit. Beef Stew has improved each offseason and trends show to expect that he will be a better shooter in the upcoming season. He is a bit undersized for the 4 but from all internal sources in the organization, all from ownership to players love him.
Hayes and Burkes probably should be moved. With a new coach who has that contract. They will decide on a core here. Hayes has been in and out of lineup. He should have been in G-league for first two yrs. He’s still a good talent for someone to take only 21. Pistons are still very young. Monty biggest decisions will be settling on a core. They can still make a few moves. And strengthen the core of this team. I like their talent. They need to find chemistry and start growing up.
Bogdanovic, Hayes, Burkes can all be moved. And bring back good return.
Hayes will most likely be moved before the season.
Detroit will pick up Burke’s option and possibly move him a the deadline if they aren’t in playoff contention.