The Detroit Pistons are taking advantage of the Utah Jazz’s roster blow-up.
According to multiple reports, the Chicago Bulls’ central division foe is finalizing a deal to acquire Bojan Bogdanovic in exchange for Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee.
An eight-year NBA veteran with a career 39.2 percent stroke from downtown, Bogdanovic felt like one of the hotter names currently available on the trade market. He has six seasons of playoff experience under his belt, and arguably the best three seasons of his career have come during his most recent stint in Utah (where he averaged 18.4 points and 4.1 rebounds over his 204 games with the franchise).
While the Pistons have been in the midst of a rebuild, this move seems to suggest that front office leader Troy Weaver believes his franchise could re-enter the competitive mix sooner than later. And he may not be wrong.
Between former No. 1-overall pick Cade Cunningham and this year’s No. 4-overall pick Jaden Ivey, Detroit has one of the most intriguing young backcourts in the NBA. Not to mention, other young players like Jalen Duren, Saddiq Bey, and Isaiah Stewart all possess notable upside of their own. Add in the veterans they’ve acquired this summer (Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel, Kemba Walker, and now Bogdanovic), all of whom have playoff experience, and it’s hard not to raise this team’s ceiling somewhat drastically.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t expect this Pistons team to find themselves competing for a top-8 seed, but is it crazy to think the Play-In Tournament is an achievable goal?
Regardless, the Pistons became a more well-rounded team this summer. Throw their improvements in with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the central division looks like it could be one of the more competitive in the East. I hope the Bulls are ready.