The Detroit Pistons are one of the most decorated NBA franchises in the modern era, winning 3 NBA Titles, and gave us one of the most memorable championship runs ever, behind the infamous “Bad Boy” teams of the late 80’s and into the 90’s led by Isaiah Thomas, Bill Laimbeer, and a young Dennis Rodman.
Of course, we also can’t forget those potent mid 2000’s teams led by Chauncey Billups, Tayshawn Prince, and Rasheed Wallace, that made it to 6 consecutive Eastern Conference Finals, culminating in winning the 2004 NBA crown.
But those days are long gone, and hoops fans in the “Motor City” have been longing for some quality basketball for some time now as the Pistons haven’t made it to the Playoffs since the ’08-’09 season, under then coach Michael Curry.
They have been doing things the right way by accumulating and developing high draft picks over the past few seasons that have turned into some up-and-coming star players like Greg Monroe, Andre Drummond, and Brandon Knight.
Under the guidance of new coach Mo Cheeks for the upcoming season, management pulled the trigger this off-season to add veteran forward Josh Smith, electrifying PG Brandon Jennings(for Knight), and bring back “Mr Big Shot” Chauncey Billups for his 2nd go-around with the team.
While the frontcourt of Smith, Monroe, and Drummond may be one of the best in the Association this season, it could be a short lived trio, considering the financial ramifications.
Smith is now on the books at $14 million per season through 2017, Jennings is on the hook for another 3 seasons at $8 million plus. In addition, 2nd year big man Andre Drummond is a budding superstar and Detroit will surely look to lock up the dominating center to a long term max deal as early as next season.
That leaves Monroe, a borderline All Star talent, who has yet to be extended in his 4th season, in contract limbo. The Pistons are unlikely to reach a contract extension prior to the Halloween deadline to do so, meaning Monroe will hit the open market next Summer.
A young 6’11 player with his skill set that can pass, score, rebound, and run the floor are hard to find. Don’t rule out the possibility of Monroe being a key trade chip at the deadline later this season, as teams like the LA Lakers or NY Knicks could look to trade expiring mega contracts like Pau Gasol or Amare Stoudemire to get a young stud like the former Georgetown standout going forward.
Not to be a downer Detroit. But you might not see Greg Monroe in a Pistons uniform much longer…
Greg Monroe 2013 Highlights:
Allen Moll has been a lifelong NBA and NCAA College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously, and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen has also provided content to Bleacherreport.com, Upperdeckblog.com, Cleveland.com, CSN Philly.com, Buckets Magazine, in addition to being a tenured NBA and NCAA columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com.
