According to Bleacher Report, the Detroit Pistons could target Los Angeles Lakers point guard D’Angelo Russell in free agency. With ample cap space and a desire for veteran leadership, the Pistons are poised to make significant moves. Despite a tough start to the 2023-24 season, Russell rebounded strongly, silencing trade calls from Lakers fans. He finished the season with impressive averages of 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists on shooting splits of 46/42/83. His potential acquisition could bring the experienced leadership the Pistons need to guide their young roster.
Detroit Pistons’ Linked to Former All-Star Guard in Free Agency
From January 13th, Russell’s game took a significant leap, with averages of 20.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.0 steals. His shooting percentages also showed a marked upswing, with 45% from the field, 43% from three, and 87.5% from the free-throw line. This resurgence in form underscored his ability to consistently deliver at a high level, making him a valuable asset for any team, including the Pistons.
Bringing in Russell is a move that offers leadership, but it’s not without its financial and strategic implications. What would be the potential costs of bringing Russell to the Pistons? Would his addition align with the Pistons’ long-term strategy and development goals?
Why Should the Pistons Bring D’Angelo Russell In?
The Pistons are one of the youngest teams in the NBA. They had the eighth-youngest roster in the league at the start of the 2023-24 season. The trades of Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks to the New York Knicks reduced their average age despite Evan Fournier’s temporary addition. Although the team signed veteran Taj Gibson towards the season’s end, both Fournier and Gibson will not be returning.
Approaching the 2024 free agency, the Pistons may lose several players: Fournier (team option), Gibson, Chimezie Metu (team option), Simone Fontecchio (RFA), Malachi Flynn, and Troy Brown Jr. This would make 25-year-old Stanley Umude the oldest player, and Isaiah Stewart, with four years of experience, the longest-tenured NBA veteran on the team. The team’s need for stability and guidance makes acquiring Russell timely and significant.
With his wealth of experience and knowledge from high-pressure situations, Russell could be a game-changer for this young Pistons team. At 28, entering his ninth year, he offers seasoned play and mentors the young roster, guiding them through the challenges of the NBA. This potential acquisition could be a beacon of hope for the Pistons, signaling a new era of growth and development.
Why Shouldn’t the Pistons Bring D’Angelo Russell In?
Detroit is not a destination free agents want to be playing basketball. Culture-wise, Detroit is in a league of its own, but the Pistons have been a laughingstock of the league for the last five years. They must either draft and develop players with superstar potential or overpay for established talent. To bring Russell to the Pistons, they must overpay and convince him the team is ready to win.
In addition to overpaying, the Pistons might have concerns about Russell going into the playoffs. The guard had an outstanding season, but when the playoffs came, he disappeared. In the Lakers’ five-game series against the Denver Nuggets this season, Russell averaged 14.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.8 rebounds on 38/32/50 shooting. Russell’s inconsistencies in the 2022-23 Lakers playoffs raise doubts about his reliability in high-pressure situations.
The Last Word
Russell is a player the Pistons could realistically pursue. For Russell, this team could resemble the 2018-19 Brooklyn Nets, who surpassed expectations with a 42-40 record, fueled by his All-Star performance. Similar to the current Pistons, the Brooklyn team was extremely young. The difference now is Russell’s evolution into a seasoned veteran capable of leading a team through an NBA season’s challenges.
However, the Pistons’ approach to free agency, especially concerning acquiring a power forward, raises questions about Pistons’ president Trajan Langdon’s thoughts on his young core. Bringing in a shooting guard through the draft, trade, or free agency could signal the end of Jaden Ivey’s tenure in Detroit. Although Russell’s skills provide veteran leadership, he doesn’t fit the Pistons’ long-term plan for building a contender. Russell likely seeks a team ready to win now, but the Pistons aren’t at that stage yet.
Therefore, while the fit is good, the timeline to win isn’t. The Pistons should consider whether overpaying for a short-term boost is worth potentially hindering the development of their young core. Exploring other avenues to add veteran presence without compromising their long-term vision might be a more prudent strategy.
