Simone Fontecchio, welcome to the six-win 2023-24 Detroit Pistons.
If this was Detroit’s huge trade-deadline splash (and it nonetheless may find yourself being basic supervisor Troy Weaver’s solely transfer), an already-apathetic Pistons fan base would discover but one more reason to sigh.
In a vacuum, Fontecchio’s numbers are a bit underwhelming. He is averaged simply 8.9 factors and three.5 rebounds per sport in 34 begins and 50 video games performed for the Utah Jazz. He is the definition of a job participant proper now, however what else may you count on in return for a second-round decide, the expiring contract of Kevin Knox and the draft rights to 2022 second-round decide Gabriele Procida?
This commerce is the definition of “mid” (as the children say), but when it is a part of a much bigger deal, it is a transfer that really is sensible for Detroit.
The opposite half in query?
It needs to be buying and selling Bojan Bogdanovic, the 34-year outdated veteran sharpshooter.
Sure, Bogdanovic is arguably the Pistons’ finest scorer and he is definitely their finest shooter, however that is completely a failed rebuild for Weaver and the Pistons, and the one dependable method out of it’s a “hearth sale” of kinds and a set of property.
Bogdanovic is a particularly precious commerce piece for a contending group in search of veteran taking pictures, and Detroit’s draft coffers are extraordinarily naked. Bogdanovic ought to be capable of web Weaver a minimum of a first-round decide if he is any good at his job (which, to be honest, is uncertain). If and when he is capable of unload the veteran shooter who is not sensible for a rebuild timeline…the acquisition of Fontecchio makes way more sense.
Bogdanovic is a 39.5% profession three-point shooter, however Fontecchio isn’t half dangerous himself, taking pictures 39.1% from deep this yr.
He is six years youthful than Bogdanovic, so he matches Detroit’s timeline a lot better. He can even step into a much bigger function with the Pistons as a major taking pictures choice for level guard Cade Cunningham, who’s one heck of an outlet passer.
Bogdanovic has clearly reached his ceiling as a participant, and his worth won’t ever be larger. Detroit wants to drag the set off and get some worth for him. In the meantime, Fontecchio is sort of an untapped asset with loads of upside.
He’ll be a restricted free agent this summer season, however Detroit will be capable of match any provide sheets despatched his method, and the thought behind the commerce needs to be that the Pistons will re-sign him long run.
It is a respectable plan, however the Bogdanovic commerce should be a observe -up or it makes little sense.
