The Detroit Pistons are in the midst of one of the most stunning turnarounds in NBA history. Just two seasons ago, they were losing 28 games in a row, and having one of the worst years in franchise history. Last season, they made the playoffs, and pushed the Knicks to six games in the first round.
Now, the Pistons are the first seed in the East with a 24-7 record, and have dominated their conference foes with a 17-5 record. Cade Cunningham is playing like an MVP candidate, Jalen Duren has become one of the NBA’s most dominant physical forces, and Detroit’s supporting cast of Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland, and Isaiah Stewart play with such a high-level of nastiness defensively that suffocates opponents.
Even with all of their success, the Pistons are not without flaws. They are 27th in three-point makes, 22nd in percentage, and 27th in attempts. That kind of low-volume shooting could doom them come playoff time. Acquiring this former All-Star should be at the top of Detroit’s holiday wishlist.
The Pistons must go all-in to acquire Lauri Markkanen
After a down shooting year last season, Markkanen has bounced back. He’s averaging nearly 28 points per game, which would be a career-high on 47 percent shooting, and 35 percent from three-point range. He’s also knocking down 36 percent of open or wide open threes according to NBA.com tracking data.
Markkanen’s best ability is being able to score without the ball. He is one of the better off-ball movers in the league, and having someone like that next to Cunningham will open up the floor for the entire Pistons offense.
His presence would also deter teams from loading up on Detroit in the paint. In order for Cunningham to thrive, the floor needs to be spaced. That is how the Pistons offense was able to succeed last year thanks to Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. With both of them gone now, Detroit hasn’t been able to replicate that same spacing. Getting Markkanen would help solve that problem.
Markkanen would make the Pistons a true contender
The argument can be made that Detroit is already a contender. They have one of the league’s elite defenses, and they have the superstar in Cunningham. Acquiring Markkanen though would put them over the top and prevent their shooting weakness from being exposed.
The Pistons have the flexibility and assets to make this move happen. Utah will command a high price for the All-Star forward, but it is a price that Detroit should be willing to pay.
