At first glance it is shocking to see all these big name player signing with NBA teams for the veteran minimum. First Shaquille O’Neal, now Tracy McGrady. Who’s next, Allen Iverson? Then upon second glance you realize that although its not a huge pay day, at least it is a pay day. These guys are worn down from all the years of carrying their ball clubs. But they are still serviceable players.
The Detroit Pistons have some work to do with their roster after agreeing to terms Tuesday morning with free agent forward Tracy McGrady on a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum of $1.35 million.
A league source indicated Tuesday that the Pistons will work to “un-jam the log jam” the team now has at the shooting guard and small forward spots after signing the 31-year-old McGrady, who has been working out for several teams this summer looking for a home, including Chicago and Cleveland. {via}
With today’s announcement that McGrady has agreed to a contract with the Pistons you have to wonder if they will keep Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince, or move one or both in favor of beefing up their front court. I just don’t see how it makes sense to keep Hamilton and Prince with the signing of McGrady. As the Pistons’ roster currently stands, calling it a ‘logjam’ at the 2 and 3 spots is a massive understatement. You’ve got Tayshaun Prince, Rip Hamilton, Tracy McGrady, Ben Gordon, Will Bynum, and Rodney Stuckey. That’s not including Charlie Villaneuva who likes to step out from long range whether playing the 4 or the 3. Where are they going to get minutes to keep all these guys happy?
Look for the Pistons to move either Hamilton or Prince as they are sought after players, with Prince being an even more likely candidate as his contract is expiring which makes him even more attractive to interested teams with salary cap issues.
The Pistons still need point guard help, and could use some depth at the 4 spot. However, between Ben Wallace, Chris Wilcox, and Kwame Brown at Center they will have a hard time finding minutes for their rookie big man Greg Monroe, who will be back in time for the start of the season from a foot injury.
