At the conclusion of the 2013-2014 NBA season, the Detroit Pistons had to make a crucial decision regarding one of their franchise cornerstones, Georgetown big man Greg Monroe. Synonymous for providing the NBA with illustrious big man talent such as Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, and Dikembe Mutombo, Monroe was progressing gradually, showing flashes of stardom. Stardom which Monroe believed warranted a maximum contract. However, the Motor City’s front office and new Head Coach, as well as President, Stan Van Gundy deemed that Monroe was unworthy of the offer for the time being. An offer of 5 years, $60 million was presented to Monroe which he balked at and declined.
Ultimately, Monroe decided to gamble on himself, a la Chicago two guard and first-time all-star Jimmy Butler, and reigning NBA Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard. On September 5th, 2014, Monroe inked Detroit’s qualifying offer which would pay him 5.48 million for a single year, a bargain to say the least. Now, despite Monroe being the premier free agent for the Pistons at the conclusion of the 2014-2015 campaign, he isn’t the only pivotal piece that will be commanding a new contract.
At the helm of the Pistons offense was none other than Brandon Jennings. However, this was a transformed Jennings, a Jennings that didn’t resemble the Jennings that put up alarming shots in Milwaukee, a Jennings that seemed to have molded himself into a pass first Point Guard, a Jennings that seemed poised and not erratic. Most importantly, a Jennings that had downsized his shots per game to 13.2, the lowest of his career, an average that was as high as 17.0 shots per game two years prior. With the eventual return of Jennings for the 2014-2015 campaign, the Pistons may have created a logjam concerning who handles the Pistons play-making duties.
The Pistons are all too familiar with logjams, having recently weeded out Josh Smith, with the failed experiment of having three bigs in the starting lineup with the forenamed Smith, Monroe and UCONN standout, Andre Drummond.
Now, what should the Pistons do regarding their Point Guard situation? Jackson had made it clear that he wanted a starting role, which led to friction and the downsizing of his minutes in Oklahoma City. Just as Monroe’s contract concludes at season’s end, Jackson’s does as well.
The Pistons should attempt to trade Jennings, while signing Jackson to a multi-year contract.
Jennings, playing in 41 games, posted averages of 15.4 PPG, 6.6 APG, 2.5 RPG, and 1.1 SPG. Statistically speaking, Jennings touted the lowest scoring average of his five-year career as well as the lowest steal per game average. While Jennings’ numbers are pretty consistent with what he’s posted in his career, its his value that’s increased. Jennings was playing at an all-star caliber level prior to tearing his left achilles tendon which rendered him out for the season. Moreover, Jennings was receiving noteworthy acclaim of being worthy of an all-star selection. Had it not been for Jennings’ unfortunate injury, it is quite possible we would’ve seen him donning white, red, and blue on all-star weekend, and not the white, red, and blue of the Pistons.
Despite the aforementioned injury, Jennings trade value is still the highest its ever been in his career. This is where the Pistons need to capitalize in the offseason. Jennings is only on the books for one more year, the 2015-2016 season, so unless they move him, they will have another contract dilemma on their hands.
The Pistons didn’t trade for Jackson to be a rental, they traded for him to be a part of their future. To quote the man calling the shots, Van Gundy in reference to Jackson claimed, “this isn’t a tryout.” Jackson along with Drummond, and presumably Monroe, are to be the Pistons cornerstones. Assuming the Pistons are able to retain the services of both Jackson and Monroe, the Pistons would be best suited targeting a Shooting Guard or a Small Forward, preferably the latter to improve their most glaring weaknesses.
The Pistons have tried numerous individuals at the swingman position such as Caron Butler, Cartier Martin, Quincy Miller, and the recently acquired former Piston, Tayshaun Prince. Unlike starting Shooting Guard, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope who has more than doubled his scoring output from his rookie season, the Pistons do not pose a threat at the 3. In potentially trading Jennings, the Pistons should first and foremost look to target a swingman to bolster the lineups luster, to create balance among its positions, and to pose a starting five that showcases minimal holes such as that of the Portland Trail Blazers.
The 2014-2015 offseason is one that will either make or break the Pistons for years coming. Van Gundy is both battle tested and keen in making decisions that improve his teams. His tenure in Orlando is proof, and his success in Miami holds weight as well. The days of hearing PA Announcer John “Mase” Mason screaming “DEETTRROOIITT BASKETBALL” throughout nationally televised games may soon once again become a staple as it was in the mid 2000s.