Could Wendell Moore Jr. Be the Pistons’ In-House Answer to Their Shooting Needs?
The Pistons are in the thick of a promising season, sitting comfortably atop the Eastern Conference, but that doesn’t mean they’re standing pat. With the trade deadline looming, Detroit has been linked to potential moves to bolster their shooting - a logical direction for a team that ranks near the bottom of the league in made threes per game. But before they start shipping out assets, they might want to take a closer look at someone already wearing their jersey: Wendell Moore Jr.
Moore, currently on a two-way contract with the Pistons and their G-League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise, just put together a jaw-dropping performance that turned heads across the organization. In a recent Cruise win, Moore dropped 40 points in just 25 minutes - yes, you read that right - while hitting five threes and barely missing a shot.
That kind of efficiency doesn’t just happen. It’s the kind of showing that forces a front office to pause and ask: do we already have what we’re looking for?
A Potential 3-and-D Gem Already in the System
What stood out most wasn’t just the raw scoring - though 40 in 25 is elite no matter the level - but how Moore got his buckets. He wasn’t just camping out behind the arc and waiting for catch-and-shoot opportunities.
He was actively reading defenses, attacking closeouts, and getting to the rim with confidence. That kind of offensive versatility is exactly what separates a shooter from a scorer - and it's the kind of skill set that can elevate a second unit or even close games when matchups demand it.
Moore’s numbers with the Cruise back up the eye test. He’s averaging over 17 points per game in limited minutes while shooting 53% from the field and a blistering 50% from deep. Those aren’t just hot streak numbers - they’re signs of a player in rhythm, playing with confidence, and understanding his role.
And it’s not just offense. Moore has long had the reputation of a plus-defender, dating back to his Duke days.
At 6’5” with a 7-foot wingspan, he brings the kind of size and length that NBA teams covet on the wing. He’s disruptive in passing lanes, capable of switching across multiple positions, and uses his frame well to contest shots without fouling.
In other words, he checks the boxes of a classic 3-and-D wing - the exact archetype every contender is scrambling to find in February.
The Pistons’ Depth Advantage - and a Familiar Face
Detroit has already hit on one two-way player this season in Daniss Jenkins, who’s carved out a meaningful role. If Moore can follow suit, the Pistons could suddenly find themselves with a deep, playoff-ready rotation that can withstand the grind of a long postseason. While other teams are scrambling to patch holes or manage injuries, Detroit has the luxury of internal development - and that’s no small thing.
What makes Moore’s potential even more intriguing is how seamlessly he could fit into what the Pistons already have going. He’s been around the team all season, practicing with the squad, learning the system, and building chemistry.
That matters. Integrating a trade acquisition midseason comes with risk - even if the talent is undeniable.
Roles shift, rotations change, and locker room dynamics can be disrupted. With Moore, there’s none of that.
He’s already in the building, already part of the culture.
No Cost, No Disruption - Just Production
If Moore continues this upward trajectory, he could give Detroit exactly what they’re looking for without the front office needing to part with picks or players. That’s a huge win for a team with championship aspirations - especially one that’s already playing with a strong rhythm and identity.
Of course, G-League dominance doesn’t always translate directly to NBA success. But Moore’s recent stretch isn’t just a fluke - it’s the product of steady development, confidence, and opportunity. And the Pistons, who’ve built a roster full of players with something to prove, might have just found their next contributor hiding in plain sight.
As the deadline approaches, Detroit will keep evaluating the market. But if Moore keeps this up, they might not need to look very far to find the shooting and defense they’re after. Sometimes, the best midseason move is the one you don’t have to make.