Apr 6, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings (3) during the game against the Toronto Raptors at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 100-83. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
With franchises around the National Basketball Association continuing to add superstars in hopes of taking down the Miami Heat, the news out of Detroit today shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. As you might know, the Detroit Pistons were a team that was absolutely loaded with young talent last season. With a young team there are bound to be some tough moments throughout the year. The Pistons certainly showed off their youth and inexperience last season, as they finished in fourth place in the Central division of the Eastern Conference.
Throughout their notorious history as a franchise, the Pistons aren’t really used to finishing towards the bottom of their division. Since the 1983-84’ season, Detroit has only missed the playoffs a total of 9 times, 4 in which have been over the past four seasons.
It appears that the Piston’s front office is tired of missing the playoffs. Much like the Brooklyn Nets, the Pistons have been one of the most active teams during the offseason. The front office made a splash early on this offseason, signing All-Star forward Josh Smith and future Hall of Fame point guard and former Piston, Chauncey Billups. With these two signings, the Pistons were in line for a much improved season.
Even though the team had already brought in two big time players, they felt like they needed one more piece to the puzzle. According to a source close to the situation, the Detroit Pistons have come to an agreement on a sign and trade deal to acquire point guard Brandon Jennings. Jennings new contract is reportedly worth in excess of $25 million over the next three seasons. In return, Jenning’s former team, the Milwaukee Bucks will receive point guard Brandon Knight, forward Khris Middleton and center Viacheslav Kravtsov.
In his last season with the Bucks, Jennings averaged 17.5 points per game and 6.5 assists per game. With Jennings now headed to Detroit, the Pistons have a real nice young core that they could be together for many years. Jennings, who will turn 24 in September, will now join forces with 27 year old forward Josh Smith, 19 year old center Andre Drummond and 23 year old forward Greg Monroe.
With the addition of Jennings, the Pistons could be poised to make some noise in the Eastern Conference. It also should bring up the question, Detroit in 6?
Although I do not see them being a top four team in the East, I see them making their way into the playoffs and possibly advancing past the first round if they could find the proper match-up.