u/Shaunzki

Shout out the reporter. Time stamped at 11m18s.

Before people try to flame me on here, let me first offer a disclaimer: I know it Is still early in the season. Things can, (and more than likely will) turn around.

With that being said, we are seeing the repercussions (right now), from the Orlando Magic of giving up a haul for a non-superstar level player. The Magic identified a player that they deemed as the final piece to their “Big Three” in Desmond Bane.

This is a cautionary tale to Pistons fans. I understand that we want to trade for a star (or superstar) for Cade, but it has to be the right fit and right player for us. We shouldn’t just trade for a guy, just to trade for him. A lot of times, that guy underperforms.

And even if Bane ends up living up to the hype in the end, is giving up the haul that they gave up really worth a 4-seed and a second round exit, which is probably their absolute ceiling no matter what?

They gutted a big part of their future just to have short-term gratification. In my humble opinion, trying to do things the Thunder way is the best strategy.

I understand they have had like 80 draft picks over the last 5 years, but they have drafted smart, and now have a juggernaut roster. It’s easier said than done, but if we actually draft well, and develop players, we won’t need to target stars in free agency, risking our future and putting all of our chips into the table on the chance that a star or superstar level player works out here.

I don’t know. I know we can’t patient forever, because Cade definitely won’t, but I just don’t want us to be so reactionary just because other teams are reactionary, going all-in as it’s FOMO.

There are ways to get draft picks, and stockpile over time. Orrrr, maybe we can do both. Trade for a star without mortgaging the future AND still stockpile picks.

I’m not an expert. I know I will get downvoted for this post, but all I’m saying is if/when Trajan finally trades for a star/superstar level player, I hope he thinks very carefully beforehand, and I hope what we give up in the deal makes sense and doesn’t destroy our future for short-term gratification. Because ultimately, we want this thing to sustain. Like the Detroit Lions.