Outside the roster overhaul of the Cavaliers during the recent NBA trade deadline, the other significant development is the trade of Blake Griffin to the Pistons. The deal involved sending Brice Johnson and Willie Reed to the Motor City in exchange for Avery Bradley, forward Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic, and two draft picks. Image source: palmbeachpost.com This blockbuster deal is seen as the end of an era for the Clippers’ unprecedented success in recent years as the “Lob City,” a term made popular by the big-man tandem of Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Much has been said about the trade’s effect on the Clippers, but is this a good move for the Pistons? On paper, having both Griffin and Andre Drummond on the court is a good sign for the future of Detroit basketball. Adding Griffin to the roster will help bring estranged Pistons fans to the games. The future looks good, for sure, as Detroit tries to recover its NBA glory with two superstars leading the charge to the playoffs. However, in the era of point guards like Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving, the Pistons need to find more consistent shooting at the guard position to be truly competitive. Reggie Jackson does a good job, yes, but he doesn’t spread the floor as much as other teams in the East alone. The team’s other ball handlers Ish Smith and Kay Felder are still in development and Jameer Nelson is past his prime. In short, the time of the dominant big men is done. As of this writing, Detroit is sitting at ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a 29-34 record. And chances of the team entering the 2018 playoffs is getting slimmer as each game day passes. The Pistons need to find something that works. And fast. Image source: mlive.com Peter Howe is the owner of multiple businesses in Michigan. He is an alumnus of Michigan State University, University of Detroit, Mercy School of Law. For related reads, check out this blog.
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