OKC Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons, 2019-20 team preview
An active offseason was meant to bolster the roster via the addition of gritty vets. Yet, predicting if the Pistons can replicate their efforts in 2019-20 might be as simple as flipping a coin. That’s because they are just as likely to make the playoffs as they are to miss them.
It all comes down to how healthy Blake Griffin can be throughout the season and although he had a solid season last year his track record speaks for itself.
Detroit brought in veteran 3-point sharpshooter Joe Johnson and hope the addition of Tony Snell and Derrick Rose will also help in this regard.
The addition of short term OKC Thunder forward Markieff Morris is hoped to help in the frontcourt and add grit. In truth, either of the Morris twins fit the historic character of the bad boys of Detroit so he should fit in nicely.
In addition, the Pistons added Tim Frazier as an extra backcourt ball handler as well as Christian Wood for added depth up front.
Of the trio of rookies drafted (Sekou Doumbouya, Deividas Sirvydis, Jordan Bone) forward Doumbouya is most likely to crack the varsity rotation and appears to be a solid piece to add to the future core.
Players Added:
Free Agency:
G: Tim Frazier (free agency)
G: Derrick Rose (free agency)
G/F: Joe Johnson (free agency)
G/F: Tony Snell (trade with Bucks)
F: Markieff Morris (free agency)
F/C: Christian Wood (waivers – non-partial guaranteed contract)
Rookies:
F: Sekou Doumbouya (No. 15 pick)
F: Deividas Sirvydis (No. 37 pick, via trade from Mavericks)
G: Jordan Bone (No. 57 received in draft night trade with 76ers for a future second-round pick and cash)
Departing Players:
Free Agents:
G: Wayne Ellington (signed with Knicks)
G: Ish Smith (signed with Wizards)
G/F: Glenn Robinson III (signed with Warriors)
G: Jose Calderon (unsigned, considering retirement)
C: Zaza Pachulia (retired)
Trade:
F: Jon Leuer (trade with Bucks for Snell)