The Pistons are poised for another trip to the NBA Lottery after they miss the Playoffs for what will be a fourth consecutive season. With the team in full rebuilding mode and nothing else to play for, it makes sense for Detroit to release some of its veteran players and focus on giving more minutes to younger players.
NBA teams have until March 1 to release players in order for those players to be eligible for postseason play with the new teams they sign with. The Pistons have a few players - Jose Calderon, Jason Maxiell, Will Bynum and Corey Maggette - who could be candidates to be waived should both parties agree to such a move.
Calderon is now Detroit's starting point guard, and both he and the Pistons are trying to determine if a fit remains for both sides beyond this year. He's also proving to be a valuable leader and influence not only on the court but in the locker room as well. Though the Pistons could present Calderon with the option of being released in order to join a playoff team, it's highly unlikely they will do so.
Maxiell, Bynum and Maggette, on the other hand, should be given an honest opportunity to be waived in order to join teams destined for postseason play. Maxiell, who's been the Pistons' starting power forward the last two seasons, is not a long-term piece and is a much better fit as a reserve on a quality team. Bynum remains one of the best backup point guards in the league and would be an ideal fit for a team like the Houston Rockets, who could use help off the bench behind starter Jeremy Lin. Maggette, who could retire at season's end, deserves a chance to end his career on a higher note than being glued to the sidelines on a bad team.
Moving forward, the Pistons will continue to build around veterans Greg Monroe, Brandon Knight and rookie Andre Drummond. Furthermore, they will look to increase playing time for fellow youngsters Kyle Singler, Jonas Jerebko, Khris Middleton, Kim English and Slava Kravtsov. For the last month and a half of the '12-13 campaign, it makes no sense but to give these players all the minutes they can handle, and let some of the older players move to greener pastures.
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