The buzz around the Detroit Pistons this season has been all about their shooting woes. As they look toward the offseason, a name that's catching attention is Peyton Watson, the breakout star from the Nuggets. With restricted free agency on the horizon, Watson could be the sharpshooter the Pistons desperately need.
Despite their struggles from beyond the arc, the Pistons have managed to find some success. However, the real test will come in the playoffs, where a lack of perimeter shooting could be a significant hurdle. While they don't need to emulate the peak Warriors, adding a couple of reliable shooters could bolster MVP-candidate Cade Cunningham's efforts.
Currently, Duncan Robinson stands as the sole 3-point threat, but his defensive liabilities might limit his playoff minutes. Enter Peyton Watson, who offers the dual threat of shooting and defense that the Pistons lack on the wing.
The Pistons' wing rotation is filled with one-dimensional players. Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland II are top-tier defenders but struggle with their shooting.
Thompson is hesitant from deep, and Holland, shooting just 22%, doesn't shy away from attempts but lacks consistency. This dynamic complicates head coach JB Bickerstaff's rotations, sometimes leading to unexpected decisions like benching Thompson.
Addressing the power forward position is also on the agenda, especially with Tobias Harris's contract expiring. Yet, the need for wing shooting is pressing.
Peyton Watson isn't known for high-volume shooting like Duncan Robinson. However, he's in the midst of a breakout year, averaging nearly 15 points per game and shooting close to 42% from three-point range. Impressively, Watson's numbers have held strong even without Nikola Jokic on the floor, proving he's more than just a beneficiary of the Joker's playmaking.
Standing 6-foot-8, Watson brings size, defense (averaging 2.2 stocks per game), and rebounding to the table. His two-way capabilities would be a game-changer for Detroit's wing play.
The challenge lies in acquiring him. As a restricted free agent, Watson's future with the Nuggets is uncertain, especially if Denver hesitates to delve into luxury tax territory. His current ankle injury adds another layer of complexity to the Nuggets' decision-making process.
While the Pistons might not have cap space, they could leverage their non-taxpayer mid-level exception to propose a deal around $15 million per season, similar to their previous offer for Malik Beasley. At just 23, Watson's defensive prowess and size present an enticing, cost-effective upgrade without sacrificing current players.
In summary, Peyton Watson could be the missing piece for the Pistons-a young, versatile player who can shoot and defend, potentially transforming their postseason prospects.