After an embarrassing and historically bad 2023-2024 season it seems Tom Gores was determined to right the wrongs done to the fanbase. He would make the decision to fire Monty Williams after just one season eating the remaining $65 million left on that deal. In addition, he opted to part ways with the GM Troy Weaver after 3 years of service where the Pistons went a putrid 54-192. Gores would then hire Trajan Langdon, and with just days remaining before the NBA draft and shortly after the draft hired JB Bickerstaff as the new Head Coach. In a short time, Langdon has instilled some hope for the future by making a series of moves to shore up several concerns plaguing the Pistons over the last year.

SHOOTING

With the Pistons signing Cade Cunningham to a massive extension making him the main focal point of the future. It was essential they surround him with shooting to compliment his top-notch playmaking ability. Langdon has acquired a flurry of outside shooters including a trade for Tim Hardaway Jr., the resigning of Simone Fontecchio, as well as the signing of Malik Beasely. All these players have displayed the ability to spot up and knock down the open shot at the NBA level. Tim Hardaway was acquired via trade from the Mavericks for Quentin Grimes and will serve as a veteran presence. Although he has been streaky in the past, he brings in a litany of experience playing alongside ball dominant guards such as Luka Doncic. Malik Beasley is coming off a solid year where he played 79 games accompanying Damian Lillard and Giannis, where he scored 11 points a game on 44% from the field and 41% from 3-point range. Simone Fontecchio hit the ground running after being acquired from the Utah Jazz at the trade deadline last year. In a 16-game sample size with the Pistons, Fontecchio averaged 16 points per game on 48% from the field and 43% from 3.

DURABILITY

The Pistons ranked amongst the top 5 according to stat muse, regarding teams most plagued by injuries. Veterans Monte Morris, Joe Harris, and Bojan Bogdanovic missed most of the season with nagging injuries and in addition Isaiah Stewart and Simone Fontecchio were shutdown for the final month of the season with injuries as well. It appears one of Langdon’s focuses was to find durable players that can be counted on for the longevity of the season. Between Paul Reed, Hardaway, and Beasley, the players combined for an average of 80 games played last season. Paul Reed played in all 82 games last season.

ATHLETICISM

Outside of Ausar Thompson Detroit was severely lacking young athletic bodies to ignite the offensive game in transistion and combat the multitude of explosive scorers that the Eastern Conference possesses. The Pistons drafted Ron Holland out of the G League Ignite who measures in at 6’6 with a 6’9 wingspan. In addition they would draft Bobi Klintman in the 2nd round, who is 6’9 with a 6’11 wingspan. While in Summer League both players displayed an ability to rebound and play versatile defense while utilizing their athleticism to enforce their will at the rim. Both players appear to be a bit of projects but have high upside for when the opportunity arises to play significant minutes.

Ron Holland was MUST SEE TV during the NBA Summer League! 🔥 #NBASummer

The @detroitpistons rookie averaged a team-leading 18.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 2.3 APG. He was also fourth among all rookies in scoring. pic.twitter.com/qhh3Gz8rJ1

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) July 28, 2024

The most important part of all the moves made is that the veterans signed are on short, affordable deals that can be moved to not block the development of the younger players. According to Bleacher Report the Pistons are ranked #5 as far as NBA teams with available trade assets. It is yet to be seen exactly how much improvement there will be in Detroit, but you can be rest assured it won’t be nearly as bad as last year