The Pistons have a star in Cade Cunningham and a roster that won 60 games last season. Tim Hardaway sees another player who could help them take the next step.
Lauri Markkanen.
Hardaway pointed to the Jazz forward’s size and offensive versatility during an appearance on the Crossover Podcast, suggesting Markkanen would give Detroit another way to create problems for opposing defenses.
“He would be a good addition. I’m gonna tell you this. Markkanen could put his back to the basket and make something and he can shoot the ball and he can take one or two dribbles off the dribble. And he’s seven feet,” Hardaway said, via Basketball Network’s Michael Angelo Murillo.
The appeal is easy to understand. Cunningham already commands plenty of attention. Adding a forward with Markkanen’s shooting ability would give him another target and make it harder for defenses to load up on him.
But liking the fit is the easy part. Hardaway acknowledged that acquiring Markkanen would likely require the Pistons to surrender valuable assets. His comments amount to a proposed fit, with no reported negotiations attached.
Markkanen is averaging 18.0 points and 6.8 rebounds for the 1-11 Jazz. The Pistons are 8-3 and trying to build on a season that ended with a seven-game loss to the Cavs in the second round.
They have already shown they can win plenty of regular-season games. Any significant addition would have to help them get further in the spring.
Cunningham offered another reminder of what Detroit can build around Thursday, finishing with 52 points and 11 assists in a 144-140 double-overtime victory over the Wizards.
“He never ceases to amaze,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said afterward. “He just understands what it takes to get it done and has all the abilities to make those things happen.”
Bickerstaff was considerably less pleased with the defense, calling it “terrible” despite the win. That’s another consideration when discussing a potential move. Detroit would have to weigh the scoring it gains against the depth and defensive help it might surrender.
Markkanen would give Cunningham an appealing offensive partner. Whether the Pistons could get him at a price that improves the whole team is the bigger question.
MORE PISTONS
- J.B. Bickerstaff calls Pistons’ defense ‘terrible’ after Cade Cunningham’s 52-point night
- Cade Cunningham after 52-point night: ‘The best I’ve ever done it’
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