The Detroit Pistons have engineered one of the most impressive turnarounds in NBA history. Just two years ago, they were in the midst of a 28-game losing streak. Now, they are the top seed in the East, and are a championship contender.
Cade Cunningham has been at the head of the turnaround, but other members of Detroit’s young core like Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, and Ron Holland have all taken steps in their games. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has instilled a culture of toughness and a high-level defense that makes the Pistons a tough out every night.
Detroit does have their flaws that could come back to bite them, mainly when it comes so spacing the floor. With the trade deadline coming up, there could be one big-time move out there that would put the Pistons over the top.
The Detroit Pistons should go all-in for Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr.
The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year has been one of the NBA’s best rim-protecting stretch bigs over the last few seasons. This year, he is averaging nearly 19 points per game, six rebounds, and almost two blocks, while also shooting 37 percent from three-point range on nearly five attempts per night.
Jackson Jr. would fit in with Detroit’s defensive identity and would form a nasty frontcourt tandem with Duren. Jackson Jr. is at his best when he has another big man next to him, which is why he and Zach Edey have had so much success over the last two years.
Imagine having to deal with Thompson at the point of attack and have Duren and Jackson Jr. behind him. The Pistons would easily have one of the more dangerous defensive trios in the league.
Jackson Jr.’s floor-spacing would also be a huge addition for Detroit. The Pistons are one of the worst shooting teams in the league. They are 18th in three-point percentage, 26th in three-point makes per game, and 27th in attempts. Cunningham has limited space to drive to the basket and he would benefit from having a pick-and-pop partner like Jackson Jr.
With Memphis already shopping Ja Morant, the thought around the league is that Jackson Jr. could be the next domino to fall. If the Grizzlies do make him available, the Pistons should pounce. Adding him would make them more of a complete championship contender and would extend their championship window as well.
