As the Pistons conclude a nightmare season that included a record setting 28 game losing streak, they will look to salvage what’s left of it the best they can by looking on to the future. We will be profiling three key players that will be heavily evaluated to see how they will fit into the future mold around the core 4 that the team has established.

MARCUS SASSER

The first player we will look at is Marcus Sasser. The Pistons traded up in last year’s draft to select him 25th overall in the First Round in exchange for the 31st pick and 2 future seconds. Sasser was a 4-year starter at Houston and excelled at scoring from all three levels on the offensive end. Sasser was perceived to be a combo guard who could come off the bench and provide a spark offensively, when given an opportunity to play. Sasser has shown flashes of the player that Detroit had hoped for throughout his first 46 games of play but has been inconsistent. This is due in part to it being in a crowded backcourt. At times coach Monty Williams has found it difficult to find minutes for him. The recent release of former Lottery Pick Killian Hayes and the trade of Monte Morris should allow Sasser to play more freely without as much competition for that guard position. The Pistons also acquired Sasser’s former teammate out of Houston Quentin Grimes so it should be fun to see them reunited in the NBA. Look for Detroit to experiment with a 3-guard lineup of Sasser, Jaden Ivey, Cade Cunningham as well.

SIMONE FONTECCHIO

The next player we will be profiling is Simone Fontecchio. Fontecchio was acquired in a trade from the Utah Jazz. It appears that Simone was brought in to be the younger predecessor to Bojan Bogdanovic. They have a similar style although Bojan is a better creator of his own shot. Bogdanovic was held in high regard by the organization in his brief stay in Detroit so to find a younger more athletic version of him would be a godsend.  In the three games he has played thus far for Detroit he has averaged 15 points while shooting 46% from the field, and 38% from beyond the arc. At this stage in his development, he pales in comparison to Bojan offensively but the hopes is where he lacks in that department he can make up for it on the other end of the court. In the remaining games I am looking for him to continue to score efficiently, spread the floor, and establish the trust of the young guards as they progress.

QUENTIN GRIMES

Lastly, we will be looking at Quentin Grimes. Quentin was a First Round pick in 2021 and was once held in high regard in New York as an untouchable asset. Grimes has all the tools to be a tough 3 and D wing player that has the physicality to put the ball on the floor and finish at the rim. But after an injury riddled rookie year and a tough start to this season the Knicks finally cut their losses and moved on from him.  The Pistons have struggled all year consistently spreading the floor and guarding at the point of attack. If Grimes can put everything together the Pistons can feel accomplished in what most are considering to be poor asset management at the trade deadline. As stated earlier, Grimes will be joining his former backcourt mate Marcus Sasser. Regaining the chemistry, they had in Houston may be just what Grimes needs to get back on the right track.