The Detroit Pistons find themselves in an enviable position this season, boasting remarkable depth that has left newly acquired Kevin Huerter struggling to find playing time. Despite being brought in at the trade deadline, Huerter has yet to carve out a significant role within the Pistons' rotation.
Contrast this with the Los Angeles Lakers, who were on the hunt for bench depth and scoring at the deadline. They opted for Luke Kennard but were also linked to Huerter in trade rumors.
Given Huerter’s skill set as a bench scorer with an expiring contract, he seemed like a perfect fit for LA's needs. The Lakers are all-in on a title chase while LeBron James is still around, and adding a player like Huerter could have bolstered their bench.
While Huerter’s presence might not have been a game-changer for the Lakers' championship aspirations, he would certainly have seen more playing time there than he does in Detroit. The Pistons, sitting atop the league, are sticking with the lineup that got them to this point, leaving Huerter on the outside looking in.
Huerter did see some action recently, but his limited minutes didn’t allow him to make a significant impact. Detroit’s focus on maintaining their winning formula means sticking with established players like Caris LeVert and Javonte Green. Green, in particular, has become a crucial bench player, despite his modest contract compared to Huerter’s $18 million salary.
Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff prioritizes defense, which explains Green’s consistent presence on the floor. However, the decision to keep LeVert in the rotation has raised eyebrows, given his lackluster performance on both ends. This opens the door for Huerter if he can start sinking shots and prove his worth.
The situation highlights a stark difference between the Lakers and Pistons. In LA, Huerter would likely be a key bench contributor, while in Detroit, he remains benched, waiting for an opportunity to showcase his skills. As the playoffs approach, Huerter’s scoring ability might just be what the Pistons need to address any offensive shortcomings.