The Detroit Pistons are sitting in a strong position atop the Eastern Conference, and with the trade deadline approaching, they’re not looking to shake things up with a blockbuster deal-and they don’t need to. But that doesn’t mean they should sit completely still, either. There's a potential low-key move that could pay real dividends down the stretch: targeting Hawks wing Vit Krejci.
Now, Krejci isn’t going to make headlines or dominate highlight reels, but what he brings to the table could quietly solve one of Detroit’s biggest needs-reliable perimeter shooting.
Krejci’s Shooting Stroke Is No Fluke
Let’s start with the numbers: Krejci is knocking down 42.5% of his threes on 5.5 attempts per game this season. That’s not just a hot streak-that’s elite efficiency on decent volume.
And it’s not new, either. He’s shot over 40% from deep in each of the past three seasons.
In today’s NBA, where floor spacing is everything, that kind of consistency is gold-especially for a Pistons team that could use another sniper to open things up for Cade Cunningham and company.
Krejci isn’t just a standstill shooter, either. At 6'8", he brings size to the wing that allows him to shoot over smaller defenders and get his shot off in motion. That kind of versatility is rare in a shooter, and it makes him a great fit in a modern, movement-heavy offense.
More Than Just a Shooter
What makes Krejci even more intriguing is that he’s not a one-dimensional player. While his shooting is the headline, he’s shown flashes of being able to put the ball on the floor when defenders close out hard.
He can attack the rim, finish through contact, or kick it out to open teammates. That secondary creation ability adds another layer to his game-think of the way Duncan Robinson evolved his skill set in recent seasons.
Krejci’s not quite at that level yet, but the tools are there.
Defensively, Krejci isn’t a stopper, but he’s no liability either. His size and length allow him to switch across multiple positions, and he’s shown the ability to stay engaged and make plays when he’s locked in. In Detroit, where defense is a priority, he’d be expected to bring that kind of energy every night-and the structure around him could help elevate that part of his game.
A Smart Fit for Detroit’s Present and Future
Krejci is just 25 years old, which puts him right in line with the Pistons’ core timeline. Cade Cunningham is only a year younger, and the rest of Detroit’s rotation is built around young, ascending talent. Adding a player like Krejci doesn’t just help the team this season-it’s a move that could pay off for years to come.
And the timing might be perfect. The Hawks are in a transitional phase after trading Trae Young to Washington.
They’ve been linked to big-name rumors-Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo-but any deal of that magnitude will require multiple moving parts. That’s where a team like Detroit can swoop in and grab a valuable role player like Krejci at a discount.
A Deadline Move That Makes Sense
The Pistons don’t need to swing for the fences. They’re already built to contend in the East. But making a smart, under-the-radar addition like Krejci could be the kind of move that tightens up the rotation and gives them another weapon heading into the playoffs.
He won’t cost much. He won’t demand touches.
But he’ll knock down shots, play within the system, and give Detroit another reliable option on the wing. That’s the kind of move that doesn’t make headlines today-but could make a difference when the games really start to matter.