Alright, let’s talk about what I saw the Pistons doing this offseason. After watching them struggle so much last season, it was clear things needed to shake up. I kept an eye on things right from the start.
First Moves Watched
The first big thing I noticed, obviously, was the coaching change. They let Dwane Casey go, which wasn’t a huge shocker given the record. Then, bam, they went out and got Monty Williams. Paid him a boatload of money too. That told me right away they weren’t messing around this summer, at least not when it came to the head guy. They wanted someone established to guide these young players. So, I mentally logged that: New coach, big investment.
Watching the Draft and Trades
Next up was the draft lottery. Everyone was hoping for that number one pick, but they ended up at five. A bit of a letdown maybe, but still a good spot. I tuned in for the draft itself and saw them grab Ausar Thompson. Looked like a super athlete, defender type. Adds to that core with Cade and Ivey. Interesting piece, fits the athletic mold they seem to like.
Then free agency started, and honestly, I didn’t see them making huge splashes signing outside guys. But what I did track were the trades. They took on Joe Harris’s contract from Brooklyn, basically using their cap space to get some draft picks back. Seemed like a smart way to use that money if you’re not landing stars. Get a shooter who might help, plus assets.
Right after that, I saw the Monte Morris trade come across. Got him from Washington. That one made a lot of sense to me. They needed a steady hand behind Cade Cunningham, a real backup point guard. Morris is exactly that. Solid, doesn’t make many mistakes. Felt like a really practical move to fill a clear need.
Putting It Together
So, looking back at my observations:
- Got the high-profile coach.
- Drafted another high-upside athlete.
- Used cap space smartly in trades for a veteran shooter (Harris) and a solid backup point guard (Morris).
- Didn’t really go crazy signing outside free agents.
Overall, the way I saw it unfold, they prioritized getting the coach they wanted, added through the draft, and then made some sensible trades to bring in veterans for specific roles. It wasn’t about chasing stars this summer, more like trying to build a more stable foundation around the young guys they already have. Seems like they’re banking on Monty Williams and internal development, plus these veteran additions, to make things better. We’ll have to wait and see how it all meshes together on the court, but that’s the process I followed watching their moves unfold.
