FanPost

Sleeper FA Power Forward

SVG has made it clear since the Pistons' defeat in the first round of the 2016 NBA playoffs that power forward was a role on the team that still needed to be addressed. Although SVG has reinforced his comfortability with the starting unit, a starting unit where all five starters scored in double digits in 27 games (most in the NBA) depth and versatility in the frontcourt is a priority this offseason. At the trade deadline SVG attempted to solidify the PF spot with two acquisitions, Tobias Harris and Donatas Motiejunas. Unfortunately due to long term health concerns pertaining to Motie's back, SVG rescinded the trade of the Pistons first round pick in the 2016 draft for Donatas and Marcus Thornton. Even though this trade was never completed we did gain some knowledge of what SVG is looking for in terms of a power forward for this team moving forward. Donuts is a legitimate 7 footer who showed the ability to shoot it from deep, play alongside Drummond and Baynes, or lead the bench bigs as an offensive mismatch stretch five. This type of player is extremely difficult to acquire and will be at a premium in the next few years as teams attempt to replicate the success of the Golden State Warriors and their "death lineup" of Draymond Green at the center position.

Outside of some top talents at the 4 position such as Chris Bosh, Anthony Davis, or Serge Ibaka this style of player is generally poor on the defensive end. Perimeter oriented bigs have a reputation for being soft and weak in the paint. To best address this need it is my belief that an early draft pick should be used to find a defensively focused 4/5 with upside on his shooting touch. It will take some time for this player to grow into his role and instead of pouring money into the pockets of the likes of Ryan Anderson, a stopgap option of two to three years may benefit the Pistons more than anything else. For this role, I propose a player that I believe still has upside despite his advanced age and would fit the gritty style of Detroit Basketball that we feel is necessary to win a championship.

This player is Darrell Arthur most recently of the Denver Nuggets. Arthur has been a consummate backup with both Denver and the Memphis Grizzlies. The grindhouse forged his style of play in the NBA and he would fit in well with our current roster. Last season, Darrell Arthur played in 70 games only starting 16 of them but he played a career high in minutes with 21.7 mpg. He shot 38 % from three which is sorely needed from any power forward that is added to the roster. Also at 6'9 and somewhat undersized he continued his reputation as a defensive oriented forward ranking in the top 25 percentile of all NBA players against the screener on PnR's, spot up defense, post up defense, and off screen defense. Most impressively, after the All-Star break Arthur shot over 40% from three and he could carry on this success next season with the offensive weapons the Detroit Pistons already have on the roster. At 28 he is older than most players on the expected 2016-2017 roster except for Aron Baynes but showing last season that with increased minutes he can maintain his defensive prowess as well as increase his offensive production, Darrell Arthur is a target that should be kept in SVG's back pocket after the dust of the NBA draft and opening waves of free agency settle.

Interesting to note that the Pistons expressed interest in Darrell Arthur in the summer of 2015 as well.

Note: Stats from Christopher Dempsey of the Denver Post

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