Ricky Rubio (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Detroit Pistons could consider trading for a point guard this season following Reggie Jackson's unfortunate injury that could possibly sideline him for two months.
The Pistons are suddenly in need of another point guard, with Reggie Jackson, who has been dealing with tendinitis in his left knee, set to miss significant time to treat the injury. Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy, insisted there is no timetable yet for Jackson's return, but admitted the 26-year-old point guard will be out for a while.
"He's going to be out for a while," Van Gundy said, reports The Detroit News. "We don't know how long - and that'll all be determined by what he chooses to do."
"He has not decided upon a treatment course yet; that decision should be in the next day or two. (Jackson) wanted to make sure they had a couple days to think about it after digesting what the doctors said."
Ish Smith, who started 50 games for the Philadelphia 76ers last season, while averaging 14.7 points and 7.0 assists a game, is predicted to start at the point. But while Smith has the tools to step up for Detroit, ESPN's Marc Stein still expects the Pistons to explore the trade market.
As @espn reported this morning, Detroit is exploring the PG market for possible reinforcements but will lean most on summer signee Ish Smith
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) October 5, 2016
The Pistons do not have a deep rotation at the point guard spot, which means looking for a trade target appears as viable options for Detroit. Here are three floor commanders the Pistons could pursue as filler to Jackson's absence.
Michael Carter-Williams, Milwaukee Bucks
Much like the Pistons, the Bucks are also exploring the trade market in hopes of filling the void left by Khris Middleton, who is likely to miss the rest of the season after suffering a season-ending injury during Milwaukee's preseason workouts. Recent rumors have suggested that the need to add depth at the small forward position has made a handful of Bucks players available in the market, one of which includes Michael Carter-Williams.
Williams struggled with the Bucks last season, scoring the lowest average of his career. But statistically, Williams' 11.5 points and 5.2 assists per game last season would be a tremendous help for the Pistons. The 24-year-old point guard may lack shooting touch, but the team would surely benefit from his ability to make plays and find open teammates.
A straight swap for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope would work under NBA salary guidelines, although it is uncertain whether the Pistons would consider such move. Nevertheless, it seems a fair trade for both teams, addressing both team's needs.
Brandon Knight, Phoenix Suns
The Suns suddenly have a heavy-guard rotation, with Eric Bledsoe returning from a knee injury that forced him to sit at the sidelines last season. Suns coach Earl Watson revealed he will start Bledsoe alongside Devin Booker, leaving Brandon Knight as the team's top backup at the PG spot. But while the Suns could certainly mix up their guard rotation, Knight has become the likely trade candidate should Phoenix explore such option.
Knight first played with the Pistons after being drafted by the team as eighth overall pick in 2011. Since getting traded by the Pistons to the Bucks three years ago, Knight improved his game, averaging 19.6 points and 5.1 assists with the Suns last season.
Knight would provide the Pistons an offensive threat at the PG spot and could even be the team's preferred option over Smith. Jackson is an explosive scorer and Knight's offensive game should cover up that void.
However, it would be difficult for the Pistons to facilitate a trade with the Suns, who do not seem to have any need to make trades at this point. And considering the tradable the Pistons have, it would require them to give up Tobias Harris to acquire Knight.
Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves
ESPN Insider Bradford Doolittle believes that Rubio could see the end of his tenure with the Timberwolves this season, especially if Kris Dunn immediately makes an impact in Minnesota. While the Timberwolves have yet to confirm this, many believe there is a strong possibility such move could happen.
Rubio isn't a scoring point guard, but he could be the perfect replacement for Jackson in terms of making the team better. Rubio's ability to easily find open teammates and pass-first mentality would maximize the Pistons' shooters. The 25-year-old point guard would also be a fit playing alongside Andre Drummond, which could create one of the deadliest pick-and-roll games in the league.
Trading Tobias Harris for Rubio would work on ESPN's trade machine, but it remains to be seen whether the Pistons are willing to let go of Harris, who is expected to be one of the key players for Detroit this season. But if the Pistons could come up with another trade scenario without involving much of their core roster, Rubio should be viable option to take over the team's playmaking duties.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
