Pistons overhaul roster while Thomas and Burries shine in Vegas; Harden discusses LeBron’s next move
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The Detroit Pistons traded Isaiah Stewart, saw Tobias Harris depart in free agency, and responded by signing forward John Collins and acquiring Taurean Prince to fill the void in the frontcourt.
Detroit also moved up in the draft to select point guard Ebuka Okorie and completed a trade for shooting guard Isaiah Joe. The club re-signed wings Kevin Huerter and Javonte Green but dealt Caris LeVert and Marcus Sasser. According to the Detroit Free Press, the team will miss Stewart’s physicality and Harris’s leadership, yet it gained badly needed perimeter shooting with Collins and Joe. The Athletics Hunter Patterson adds that re-signing restricted free agent center Jalen Duren to a favorable deal would further validate the offseason strategy.
Summer League standouts
Cleveland Cavaliers second-round pick Meleek Thomas topped all Las Vegas Summer League scorers at 27.3 points per game on 50 percent shooting, including 44 percent from three on eight attempts a night. He posted a 15-to-6 assist-to-turnover ratio and collected eight steals in four games. An NBA scout told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst that Thomas’s three-level scoring ability is “undeniable,” even if his free-throw trips are sparse.
Milwaukee Bucks lottery pick Brayden Burries impressed as a full-time point guard, a role he rarely filled at Arizona. In 108 minutes he committed only three turnovers while averaging 23.5 points on 50 percent shooting. Another scout highlighted Burries’s ball security, noting that few young guards can handle extensive playmaking duties without miscues.
Harden on LeBron’s decision
Cavaliers guard James Harden told reporters at a Fanatics Fest event that he would like to see LeBron James return to Cleveland but doubts any external lobbying will sway the four-time MVP. “He’s gonna decide,” Harden said, via BasketNews. “He’s smart enough that I don’t think anybody’s pitch is gonna move him.” Harden added that whichever club James chooses will gain an immediate championship boost.
Source: Hoops Rumors
