Detroit Pistons:
Week 11: 1-1
Won vs: Raptors 129-105
Lost to: Hornets 104-114
Week 12 opponents: @Hornets, @Nets
Offense: (108.4) 24th
Defense: (112.1) 19th
Net: (Minus -3.7) 23rd
The Pistons were both the benefactor and the victim of the Raptors COVID-19 outbreak. They got to play Toronto who was devastated by the situation missing the majority of the front row of their coaching staff and three starters plus two others.
That was the positive of the week as the Pistons capitalized on end-of-bench competition producing their highest (in regulation) scoring output of the season. Detroit hit 20 of 41 perimeter bombs. Wayne Ellington hit eight and put clubs seeking 3-point assistance on notice that he should be in the conversation as a trade deadline acquisitions.
The bad part of the equation is the NBA elected to move the previously scheduled Tuesday game with the Raptors to Wednesday and because of that shift, the Pistons had to play on consecutive nights giving the rested Knicks the advantage.
Sources: Blake Griffin gave back $13.3 million in his buyout with the Pistons. He had $75M on his deal for this season and 2021-22. The six-time All-Star will clear waivers on Sunday and the Brooklyn Nets are the leaders to sign him.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 5, 2021
Also this week the Pistons and Blake Griffin came to terms on a buyout and he’s heading to Brooklyn (the rich get richer!
Aside from the fact, the NBA needs to change how they handle buyouts so only big market teams benefit, this situation serves up another observance. Troy Weaver needs to absolutely make sure to avoid repeating history. Glance back through Pistons history and there is a long list of bad contracts the Pistons offered or traded for then ended up having to suffer because of those choices.
The Griffin buyout had me thinking back to it not being that long ago when Detroit bought out another bad contract (Josh Smith). While each of the next few clubs could realistically land in this 29th spot the fact Detroit is once again paying off a contract for another team to benefit from their presence for the pittance of the price can’t be ignored!