Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons are working out former NBA player and reigning BIG3 MVP Joe Johnson on Tuesday, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.

McMenamin reported last week that Johnson was also expected to work out for the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets, while Marc Stein of the New York Times reported in late August that he had workouts scheduled with the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets.

The 38-year-old led the Tri-State Triplets to a BIG3 title this season alongside former NBA players Al Jefferson and Alan Anderson. He led the league in both points (21.9 PPG) and assists (3.9 APG), making him an obvious choice for league MVP. 

The 6'7", 240-pound forward last played in the NBA in the 2017-18 season, averaging 6.8 points and 3.1 rebounds in 55 appearances (21.9 MPG) between the Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets. The seven-time All-Star averaged 16 points, 4.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game over a 17-year career, making his name as an excellent isolation scorer and a solid shooter (37.1 percent from three). 

Johnson's days as a lead scorer are behind him, but he could be a nice addition for a team looking to round out its bench. In a limited role, Johnson could provide buckets off the bench and the ability to create his own shot. 

For a Pistons team that finished 25th in scoring last season (107.0 PPG) and whose top scorer off the bench was Luke Kennard (9.7 PPG), Johnson would make sense. The Pistons already bolstered that unit by adding Derrick Rose and Markieff Morris in free agency, though Johnson would give the team another veteran scorer.

But regardless of whether he lands with an NBA team for another season, Johnson is satisfied with his basketball career.

"I am hopeful to get back, but I did not get in the BIG3 to get back to the league," he told ESPN. "I had a great career. I enjoyed the process. The only thing that keeps the NBA fire in the belly is how it ended in Houston. That just does not sit well with me. So if an opportunity comes along and I feel that it is worth it, yeah, I take that chance."

The Detroit Pistons finished last season with a 41-41 mark, good enough for eighth place in the Eastern Conference. The campaign ended with a four-game sweep at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks, but the Pistons made the playoffs for just the second time in 10 years and have reason to believe they can return again this year. 

We'll find out soon enough how Detroit will fare, but until then, here's a look at the Pistons' 2019-20 schedule, the latest championship odds, top matchups to watch and a season-record prediction.

      

2019-20 Details

Season Opener: Oct. 23 at Indiana Pacers

Championship Odds: 250-1 (via Caesars)

Full Schedule: NBA.com

           

Top Matchups

Atlanta Hawks: (First Home Game: Oct. 24)

There's reason to believe the seven teams who made the Eastern Conference playoffs outside the Pistons will make the postseason yet again, and all of them are listed with four or more wins than Detroit in the FanDuel and DraftKings sportsbooks (h/t The Action Network).

The bigger question is whether a team sneaks up behind Detroit and takes a playoff spot.

The Atlanta Hawks are the likeliest candidate with near-Rookie of the Year Trae Young and fantastic power forward John Collins running the show.

Young posted 19.1 points and 8.1 assists last season after some first-half struggles. From Jan. 26 onward, the ex-Oklahoma Sooner averaged 23.6 points and 9.1 dimes per night.

He could average those figures over the course of a season, which should help the 29-53 Hawks creep up the standings.

As for Collins, these stats from Mike Gallagher of Rotoworld should do the talking:

John Collins played 35+ minutes in 11 games last season and scored 20+ points in all of them, averaging 23.5 points, 12.6 boards, 2.5 dimes, 1.0 blocks and 1.3 treys.

He's expected to play 35 minutes per night next season. 🚀

— Michael Gallagher (@MikeSGallagher) July 18, 2019

In the last 30 games Trae Young played next to John Collins, Trae put up per-36 stats of 26.0 points, 5.2 boards, 10.1 dimes, 1.2 steals & 2.7 3s on a 45/36/86 shooting line (778 min)

Collins with Trae in that time per 36: 23.4 points, 10.6 boards, 1.9 dimes, 1.1 blocks, 1.1 3s.

— Michael Gallagher (@MikeSGallagher) July 18, 2019

The bottom line is the Young-Collins combo could be a force to be reckoned with for a decade-plus, and the Hawks may be ready for a big-time leap next season. The Pistons should take note.

        

Milwaukee Bucks: (First Home Game: Dec. 4)

Every game against the Bucks may be must-see television after NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team to a league-best 60-22 record last season.

At 24 years old, Antetokounmpo dominated to the tune of a career-high 27.7 points on 57.8 percent shooting, 12.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game last year.

Antetokounmpo told ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk that he felt he was at 60 percent of his potential during his MVP season. That almost seems impossible given how well Antetokounmpo performed last year, but it's hard to doubt him after a sensational start to his career.

Antetokounmpo and the Bucks could rule the league for another decade, which is why every game Detroit plays against them will be of added importance. A win against them would be a massive confidence boost for the team, especially after suffering a postseason sweep last year.

                        

Prediction

Power forward Blake Griffin arguably had his best season as a pro after averaging a team-high 24.5 points and 5.4 assists, and Andre Drummond also led the league in rebounding for the third time in four seasons. Furthermore, 2017 first-round draft pick Luke Kennard ended the season strong by averaging 15.0 points per game in the playoffs. 

That trio will be back in the mix this season fighting for a playoff berth, which may be hard to come by. According to the Action Network, the Pistons are listed with a 34.5-win total at the DraftKings and FanDuel sportsbooks.

That may be a tad pessimistic given that this is more or less the same roster that went 41-41 last year, although the team didn't do too much to improve the rotation this offseason with Detroit not having the salary-cap space to add big-name free agents.

Look for a season hovering around the .500 mark yet again.

Record Prediction: 40-42

Michael Beasley has agreed to a one-year contract with the Detroit Pistons, according to Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic.

Beasley, 30, averaged 7.0 points on 49.0 percent shooting in 10.7 minutes per game for the Los Angeles Lakers last season. The 6'9" forward played in 26 contests before being traded to the L.A. Clippers on Feb. 7. He was waived two days later and did not sign with another NBA team.

The second overall pick of the 2008 NBA draft has played 11 seasons for seven teams. He's averaged 12.4 points and 4.7 rebounds during that span.

Per Charania, the 11-year veteran was suspended five games Thursday for violating the NBA's anti-drug policy. Jeff Goodman of Stadium followed that report up with news that Beasley was leaning toward playing in China on a one-year, $5 million deal.

The left-hander decided to stay in the States, however, where he'll presumably back up power forward Blake Griffin down low.

Beasley can also play small forward, where Tony Snell is the lineups.com projected starter.

The Pistons finished with a 41-41 record last season and snuck into the playoffs as a No. 8 seed.

They didn't make any seismic moves this offseason but notably brought in Markieff Morris for some frontcourt depth. The 29-year-old power forward averaged 9.4 points and 4.6 rebounds in 21.9 minutes per game last season for the Washington Wizards and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Detroit also added guard Derrick Rose, who enjoyed a resurgent season last year thanks to 18.0 points on 48.2 percent shooting. The 2010-11 NBA MVP has suffered through numerous injuries during his 11-year career but turned back the clock for the Minnesota Timberwolves last season.

Beasley's signing with Detroit also signals a 2008 draft class reunion:

Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley are now teammates

They went No. 1 & No. 2 overall in the 2008 draft 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rHrSlUP4eX

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 11, 2019

We'll find out where and when the Pistons open their 2019-20 season when the NBA regular-season slate is revealed on Monday at 3 p.m. ET.

The Detroit Pistons are reportedly interested in free-agent center Pau Gasol to back up starter Andre Drummond during the 2019-20 NBA season.

Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press reported the update Thursday and noted Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem is the six-time All-Star's former agent.

Gasol is coming off an injury-plagued season split between the San Antonio Spurs and Milwaukee Bucks.

The 39-year-old Spanish star missed more than two months of action after suffering a foot fracture with the Spurs. After being released and signed by the Bucks in early March, he played three games before suffering a season-ending ankle injury.

Gasol told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski he's on pace to get back on the floor next month.

"My recovery from surgery has been smooth, and I expect to be fully cleared for basketball activities in August," he said July 1. "I cannot wait to start training again."

While last season was mostly a loss, the two-time NBA champion is just one campaign removed from averaging 10.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists across 77 appearances for the Spurs.

Gasol has also played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls during what will surely be a Hall of Fame career. In Detroit, he could provide frontcourt depth behind Drummond and power forward Blake Griffin if he's back to full strength.

Gasol previously told Jesus Perez Ramos of Mundo Deportivo he'd also be open to rejoining the Bucks, one of the NBA's top championship contenders.

As teams weigh the option of making a trade for Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook, the Detroit Pistons may not be clamoring to add the eight-time All-Star.

The Detroit Free Press' Vince Ellis reported Wednesday the Pistons internally are "lukewarm" on the idea.

While Westbrook isn't guaranteed to be dealt before the 2019-20 regular season, the odds have increased in recent days.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Tuesday that Westbrook "welcomes the idea" of a trade from the Thunder and the involved parties "are both motivated to find a resolution sooner rather than later."

Getting Westbrook would make sense for a few reasons from Detroit's perspective.

He would be a clear upgrade over both Reggie Jackson and the newly signed Derrick Rose and might raise the team's postseason ceiling.

Even with a return to form from Blake Griffin, the Pistons only managed a .500 record and were swept by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the 2019 playoffs. Put Westbrook together with Griffin and Andre Drummond and they might be able to push for a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference.

Ellis also touched on how Westbrook would likely help draw in more fans as well. Little Caesars Arena opened in September 2017, and the Pistons have already slipped to 24th in attendance. Even worse, they only filled 78.5 percent of the arena on average, the lowest rate in 2018-19, per ESPN.com.

However, the trade probably wouldn't be worth it for Detroit for the same general rationale that makes Westbrook a risky acquisition.

He turns 31 in November and is coming off a season in which he shot 42.8 percent from the field and 29.0 percent from beyond the arc. He's beginning to show signs of a slight decline, and he doesn't have the skill set that will age gracefully as he gets deeper into his 30s.

As much as Westbrook would improve Detroit in the short term, his $47 million salary in 2022-23 can't be ignored.

If anything, the Griffin trade provides the Pistons with plenty of evidence why Westbrook would probably change little in the long run. Griffin's arrival provided a momentary bump in interest, yet that quickly faded based on the team's attendance numbers. The franchise isn't much closer to title contention after having brought him into the fold, either.

The Detroit Pistons have officially inked first-round pick Sekou Doumbouya to his rookie deal, the team announced Thursday.

It’s official: #Pistons sign 2019 first-round pick Sekou Doumbouya. The 18-year-old was selected 15th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/CD6t4R6rZG

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) July 4, 2019

The Pistons took the Guinea-born 18-year-old with the 15th overall pick. He was the youngest player taken in the draft. 

This past season, Doumbouya averaged 7.7 points and 3.2 rebounds across 29 games for Limoges of LNB Pro A, France's top league. He also helped France win the 2016 FIBA U18 European Championship. 

"He's a talented young man at his size and athleticism," Pistons head coach Dwane Casey said at Doumbouya's introductory press conference. "He can guard four positions, probably five. And to have him and a guy like Andre [Drummond] to be able to switch on the different players. 

"And that's what the NBA is today, is to be able to switch all the positions and guard all the positions."

While Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman projected Doumbouya to grow into a "three-and-D starter," the expectation for his rookie season is modest: 

"Given his age and fact that he averaged just 18.1 minutes per game this past season, Doumbouya isn't a likely regular in this year's rotation. He'll make appearances for his physicality and athleticism to give the frontcourt a different look. But any offense or defensive value the coaches get from Doumbouya in his rookie year should be considered a bonus."

Doumbouya signed his contract a day before the Pistons begin play at the Las Vegas Summer League. Detroit plays Croatia on Friday at 3 p.m. ET.

With the likes of Drummond and All-Star Blake Griffin in their frontcourt, the Pistons will slowly build on the progress Doumbouya makes in summer league.

The Detroit Pistons reportedly reached an agreement with veteran power forward Markieff Morris on Wednesday, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

As Jeff Siegel of Early Bird Rights noted, "Detroit doesn't have a ton of flexibility left, but this may well be the minimum after [Morris] had a tough injury-riddled year last year."

It's just the latest move for the 13th overall pick in the 2011 draft.

The Kansas product is coming off a season in which he changed teams multiple times. He started the 2018-19 campaign with the Washington Wizards and got traded to the New Orleans Pelicans prior to the trade deadline in February.

After being immediately bought out by the Pelicans, he signed a deal to finish out the season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The 29-year-old averaged 9.4 points per game and 4.6 rebounds per game in 58 games between the Wizards and Thunder. The 6'10", 245-pound big man missed more than a month while in Washington after being diagnosed with transient cervical neurapraxia in January. 

Asked Presti if he got what he expected out of Markieff Morris. #Thunder #OKC pic.twitter.com/NZWqcVdeth

— Cliff Brunt (@CliffBruntAP) April 29, 2019

Despite his injury, there had been no shortage of interest in Morris around the league following his buyout.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors were among the teams interested. Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times added the Los Angeles Lakers were also in the mix.

Morris ultimately decided to sign with OKC, where he averaged 6.5 points and 3.8 rebounds in 16.1 minutes per game in 24 regular-season appearances. He managed just 11.8 minutes per game during a first-round loss to the Portland Trail Blazers and averaged 3.8 points per game and 2.6 rebounds per game in the playoffs.

That limited role didn't sit well with his twin brother, Boston Celtics forward Marcus Morris.

"I just wish he never went there because I know he could have helped another team get somewhere just by the effect he has on the court," Marcus told The Athletic's Jay King in April of Markieff's time with the Thunder.

Markieff echoed similar sentiments during his end-of-season press conference, saying he "probably won't be back" if his playing time didn't increase, via The Oklahoman (around the 3:54 mark):

He added that he "like[d]" it in OKC and that the organization was "A1." But ultimately, he feels as though he can bring more to a team that his role with the Thunder allowed him to.

In regards to his free agency, he told reporters during that presser that his family was his top priority in free agency, as "basketball is gonna take care of itself."

Now, the Philadelphia native will have the opportunity for a fresh start in Detroit, where he'll serve as depth at the 4 behind Blake Griffin.

The Detroit Pistons are set to meet with free-agent center JaVale McGee on Monday, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.

McGee spent the past season with the Los Angeles Lakers, appearing in 75 games while setting a career high with an average of 12.0 points per game. He also added 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game during his lone year with the team.

He finished with 5.9 win shares last season, second on the Lakers to only LeBron James, per Basketball Reference.

In the previous two seasons, the center was a key reserve for the Golden State Warriors while winning back-to-back NBA titles. He only averaged 5.5 points and 2.9 rebounds per game in this stretch, but he made up for it with team success.

Overall, the 31-year-old has played for six different organizations in his 11-year NBA career.

The free agent brings with him a wealth of experience as well as being able to provide rebounding, inside scoring and elite rim protection.

The question is how he fits with the Pistons, a team that already has Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin in the post. Thon Maker is also under contract, while the organization selected forward Sekou Doumbouya with the No. 15 pick in the draft.

Unless Detroit plans to make other moves, there might not be enough playing time for McGee to justify what could be a lofty contract.

Free-agent point guard Derrick Rose agreed to a two-year, $15 million deal with the Detroit Pistons, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

While not quite returning to his old pre-knee injuries MVP self, Rose exceeded expectations in 2018-19. He averaged 18.0 points and 4.3 assists while shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 37.0 percent from three-point range.

The highlight of Rose's season came in Minnesota's 128-125 victory over the Utah Jazz on Oct. 31. He had the first 50-point game of his career and scored six of the Timberwolves' final seven points in the final minute.

His year ended in March when he underwent surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow.

Although Rose clearly found a comfort zone in Minnesota, his decision to leave the Timberwolves doesn't come as much of a surprise.

He turns 31 in October, so his value as a free agent will probably never be higher than it is now. As much as Rose might have wanted a return to Minneapolis, he couldn't give the Wolves much of a hometown discount while counting on future earnings to make up the difference.

Tom Thibodeau was fired as Minnesota's head coach in January, as well, taking away a figure with whom Rose enjoyed a strong relationship.

As much as Rose contributed to the team, losing Rose may not be a huge blow for the Timberwolves.

Jeff Teague will presumably remain the starting point guard in 2019-20. Teague opted in to the final year of his deal, which will count for $19 million against the salary cap. In Tyus Jones, Minnesota has a more than capable backup, too.

Even after taking Rose out of the equation, the team's backcourt is in good shape.

That's to say nothing of the general risk associated with Rose going forward. The Pistons are signing him at the peak of this portion of his career—accounting for injuries and aging—with slowly diminishing returns to follow.

He set career highs in effective field-goal percentage (.518) and true shooting percentage (.557) in 2018-19, per Basketball Reference. It's fair to wonder whether his improved shooting is a one-year blip. Take out the month of November—he shot 27-of-48 from beyond the arc—and the three-time All-Star was only a 27.6 percent three-point shooter.

Should Rose's offensive efficiency regress to the mean next season, his poor defense will become even more glaring. Out of 111 point guards, he was 104th in defensive real plus-minus (minus-2.53), per ESPN.com. 

Perhaps the rebound Rose enjoyed will carry over to his first year with the Pistons. Detroit should still be prepared for a scenario in which he struggles to repeat the success he enjoyed in 2018-19.

With Reggie Jackson as the incumbent starting point guard, Rose seems likely to come off the bench in the Motor City. His ability to create his own shot will be a clear asset for the Pistons, especially if he's playing with the second unit.

The Detroit Pistons are "emerging as the favorite" to sign 2010-11 NBA MVP Derrick Rose, according The Athletic's Frank Isola.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN added Rose will meet with Detroit Sunday in hopes of agreeing to a two-year contract.

Rose spent the past year-plus with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

After being limited to 25 games and making little impact between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Timberwolves in 2017-18, Rose enjoyed a bounce-back season in 2018-19. 

The 30-year-old averaged 18.0 points on 48.2 percent shooting, posting a personal best of 37.0 percent from three-point range. His true shooting percentage of 55.7 percent was higher than that of his 2010-11 MVP season (55.0 percent). 

His resurgence was highlighted by a career-high 50-point performance on Oct. 31.

And while Rose proved he still has something left in the tank this past season, he once again was plagued by injuries. He was limited to just 51 games as he suffered both ankle and elbow injuries.

He has averaged just 43.7 appearances over his last seven seasons.

Rose was given an opportunity with the Timberwolves in part because of the fact his former Chicago Bulls coach, Tom Thibodeau, was on the sidelines in Minnesota at the time. However, Thibodeau was fired in January, perhaps leading the three-time All-Star to look elsewhere.

Detroit is coming off a season in which it went 41-41, which was good enough to end a two-year playoff drought. Veteran point guard Reggie Jackson is set to play out the final year of his five-year, $80 million contract next season.