Grading the Detroit Pistons’ 2024 Offseason

The Detroit Pistons are coming off their worst season, finishing 14-68 and setting an NBA record with 28 consecutive losses. Fans' frustrations were palpable, as evidenced by chants of “Sell the team!” The franchise has endured five straight seasons of underwhelming performances, which led to significant changes in the front office, coaching staff, and roster. Here’s a breakdown and grading of their offseason moves:

Pistons hire Trajan Langdon as new President of Basketball of Operations

The first of many changes needed in the organization was hiring former Pelicans general manager Trajan Langdon as the new President of Basketball Operations. The former Duke star built a solid young core during his tenure in New Orleans. Despite facing constant injury struggles with stars Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the team made the playoffs twice in the last three years. Langdon is known for favoring wing players, a position the Pistons have sorely lacked in recent seasons. This is the first time the organization has filled the POBO position since Stan Van Gundy left in 2019. Considering the moves Langdon has made in his short tenure so far, I give this decision by Pistons owner Tom Gores an A-.

Pistons mutually parted ways with former GM Troy Weaver and coach Monty Williams

14 wins. 28 consecutive losses. Is there anything else that needs to be said?

This past season was arguably the worst in the history of the Detroit Pistons franchise. Once revered as an organization known for competing and winning, it now searches for the lost reputation it once held. The first pivotal move Langdon made was parting ways with Troy Weaver and Monty Williams. During Weaver’s tenure, his ability to manage draft assets was always questionable, and the Pistons did not win more than 23 games in any season during the Weaver era. As for Williams, despite his large contract— which reset the NBA head coaching market last offseason—there was a strong possibility he would return for a second year. However, Langdon decided not to retain Monty, and it seems Gores approved this move. I will give both decisions an A.

Drafting Ron Holland at #5, and Bobi Klintman at #37 in the 2024 NBA Draft

After securing the worst record in the NBA and having the highest odds for the No. 1 pick, the Pistons fell to No. 5 for the third straight year. Despite reports of interest in trading back with teams like the Grizzlies and Trail Blazers, no deal was finalized. At No. 5, the Pistons selected 6’7” wing Ron Holland from the G League Ignite. Holland averaged 18.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. Though he’s an athletic two-way player with a high upside, his 23% shooting from three is concerning given the Pistons' past struggles with perimeter shooting. Holland also mentioned he didn’t have a pre-draft workout with the Pistons. Langdon stated, “You can never have enough athletic wings.” I expect Holland to be in the rotation from day one. I give this pick a B-.

In the second round, with pick No. 37, the Pistons chose 6’9” forward Bobi Klintman from the NBL in Australia. The 21-year-old Swede averaged 9.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and shot 35.7% from three in 23 minutes per game. Klintman, who fits the modern NBA forward prototype, is a bit raw but offers size, versatility, and three-point shooting. He impressed in the summer league with his shooting and passing. I anticipate he’ll spend significant time in the G League early on. I rate this pick a B+.

Hiring J.B Bickerstaff as new head coach for the Pistons

After parting ways with Monty Williams, Trajan Langdon hired former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff as the Pistons’ new head coach. Bickerstaff, known for his defensive focus, was let go by the Cavaliers despite leading them back to playoff contention. He had a 170-159 record over four seasons, including a second-round playoff appearance last year—Cleveland's first since the LeBron James era. While there might have been more prominent coaching options if the Pistons had acted sooner, Bickerstaff’s track record of developing a young team brings hope for establishing an identity. I give this hire a B.

Signing Tobias Harris and Malik Beasley/Trading for Tim Hardaway Jr.

On the first day of free agency, the Pistons used part of their $63 million cap space to sign forward Tobias Harris to a 2-year, $52 million deal. Harris, who previously played for the Pistons from 2015-18 before being traded for Blake Griffin, returns as a veteran leader. Over the last five seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, the 31-year-old averaged 17.6 points and 6.6 rebounds with 48/37/85 shooting splits. While the contract may be slightly high, it's short-term, which benefits the Pistons.

Additionally, the Pistons signed shooting guard Malik Beasley to a one-year, $6 million-plus deal. Beasley, coming off a season with the Milwaukee Bucks where he averaged 11.3 points and shot over 41% from three, provides a much-needed shooting boost.

The Pistons also traded guard Quentin Grimes to the Dallas Mavericks for Tim Hardaway Jr. and future second-round picks. Grimes struggled in Detroit, but Hardaway Jr., who has averaged 15.2 points and shot over 37% from three over the last six seasons, adds valuable shooting and has a good rapport with Cade Cunningham.

Overall, Langdon effectively addressed the Pistons' shooting issues with these moves. Harris, Beasley, and Hardaway Jr. fit well alongside the young core of Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland, and James Wiseman. I give these moves an A.