The Detroit Pistons finished the 2014-15 NBA season 18 games below .500 but even at 32-50, they were still just six games out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. It’s clear that head coach and president of basketball operations Stan Van Gundy believes they are closer to becoming a legitimate contender.
The trade for Reggie Jackson immediately paid off for the Pistons and with a starting five that features Jackson, Ersan Ilsyasova, Andre Drummond and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could be good enough to compete for a playoff spot – if they can land a quality small forward. Van Gundy has stressed the need for the team to sign a UFA small forward and while the market is thin, they certainly have some options available to them. Here is a look at the four-best UFA small forward options for Detroit this summer.
Tobias Harris
2014-15 Stats: 17.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.8 APG
Harris enjoyed a breakthrough statistical season for Orlando this past year when he averaged 17.1 points per game but his usage rate wasn’t flattering. Beyond that, the Magic hired Scott Skiles to be their head coach, who has previously had beef with Harris, and then selected Mario Hezonja fifth overall in this year’s NBA Draft as his potential replacement. Harris might never become a superstar but he is just 22 years old and has the potential to be a key contributor on a contending team. With so few big names expected to move in free agency, the Pistons would be smart to go after Harris as he doesn’t look as restricted as the label might indicate.
Mirza Teletovic
2014-15 Stats: 8.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 0.4 BPG
Teletovic averaged just 22.3 minutes over 40 games for the Nets this past season but there are some that feel he could be a very valuable piece in a depth role for a contending team. At 6’9’’, Teletovic can create mismatches as a big man that can stretch the floor with his shot. If the Brooklyn Nets aren’t willing to pay him, he could be a decent option for the Pistons.
Draymond Green
2014-15 Stats: 11.7 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 3.7 APG
This really shouldn’t be an option for the Pistons but as of right now, it looks like a distinct possibility. Green is the Golden State Warriors main priority this offseason and he is restricted. He was their first phone call when free agency started. However, the two sides have broken off talks and it looks like there is a gap on what he thinks he deserves and what they are willing to pay.
For the Pistons, Green would be a great fit. Not only can he play multiple positions, which is important since it looks like Greg Monroe is heading out the door, he is a glue guy and he brings championship pedigree. Stan Van Gundy loves players who can stretch the floor and Green is capable of hitting the three as well. If Detroit is willing to max him out, there’s a chance they could pry him away from Golden State. It’s fairly clear that the Warriors are hesitant to do that right now.
Corey Brewer
2014-15 Stats: 11.5 PPG, 3.7 RPG
Brewer came on strong at the end of last season when the Houston Rockets acquired him from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Brewer showed some great pedigree – especially in the playoffs – where he was a primetime fourth quarter performer. He scored in double figures in five of the seven games against the Los Angeles Clippers and that’s really what is going to supercharge his payday in free agency.
What Van Gundy will like about Brewer is the fact that he’s athletic, he’s an excellent defender and he can hit the three. He averaged 1.0 threes per game since the trade to the Rockets and defended the opposing team’s best guard in the postseason. The other thing here is that while Green will force the Pistons to blow the budget, Brewer’s salary will be much more modest and will fit what Detroit has to work with.
