National Basketball Association

Chad Ford grades Detroit Pistons' offseason

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Chad Ford dished out offseason grades for the Detroit Pistons. Overall, he liked what the Pistons did grading the team’s offseason moves as a B-.

The Detroit Pistons overhauled their bench this offseason. Gone are Steve Blake, Anthony Tolliver, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Jodie Meeks, who were replaced by Boban Marjanovic, Ish Smith, Michael Gbinije, Jon Leuer, and Henry Ellenson.

I like the Pistons offseason moves, but how does Chad Ford feel?

Via ESPN:

Detroit Pistons: B-

Key additions: Andre Drummond (re-sign); Jon Leuer (re-sign); Boban Marjanovic (FA); Ish Smith (FA); Henry Ellenson (draft); Michael Gbinije (draft); Cameron Bairstow (trade)

Key subtractions: Jodie Meeks; Anthony Tolliver; Spencer Dinwiddie

It looks like team president and coach Stan Van Gundy has Detroit pointed in the right direction. While the team doesn’t feel like a dangerous contender, the Pistons are firmly in the mix again this year as a playoff team.

The re-signing of Drummond was the top priority for the Pistons, and he’s probably worth any price. He can be a monster in the paint and is still getting better.

The Marjanovic and Smith signings give Detroit key upgrades off the bench that should help now. Landing Ellenson in the draft should help down the road. However, I don’t see anything that suggests the Pistons will be significantly better than last year; the Leuer deal, in particular, looks like the Pistons once again are guilty of significantly overpaying, given the market.

The Pistons set out to improve their bench, specifically at point guard and power forward. They did that and they also found a few long-term pieces that could be big contributors in the next two years in the draft in Henry Ellenson and Michael Gbinije.

I’m fine with Ford’s B- grade. My grade for the Pistons’ moves is a few points higher at B+.

How do you guys think the Pistons’ did?