Pistons Must Sign Veteran Forward to Salvage Disappointing Start to July

The Detroit Pistons made underwhelming moves during the first week of NBA free agency, losing Dennis Schroder and Tim Hardaway Jr. while acquiring Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, and re-signing Paul Reed. These transactions fell short of the impactful signings fans expected from a team looking to improve.

Despite most top free agents being signed, the Pistons still have an opportunity to add available veterans. Acquiring a backup power forward remains a key need for the team.

The article strongly suggests that Pistons general manager Trajan Langdon should target free agent Chris Boucher to fill the backup power forward role behind Tobias Harris. Boucher, previously with the Toronto Raptors for seven seasons, is described as a reliable top bench forward.

Boucher's career stats with the Raptors include averages of 8.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game over 406 appearances, shooting 48.9% from the field and 33.9% from three-point range. Although limited to 50 games in 2024-25 due to injury, he averaged 10.0 points and hit 1.4 threes per game at a career-best 36.3% rate, demonstrating he remains an impactful rotational player.

Boucher's recent history of playing exactly 50 games in consecutive seasons and his age (32) position him for a potentially cheap "prove yourself" contract. Exceeding expectations on a minimum deal could be his best chance for a better contract next offseason.

A Pistons-Boucher signing is presented as mutually beneficial: Detroit would gain an experienced veteran with two NBA championship rings, while Boucher would get a chance to prove his value with a young, rising team. As one of the top remaining free agents, the article urges the Pistons to act quickly to sign Boucher before another team does, potentially salvaging their slow start to free agency.