Jodie Meeks was one of the few bright spots for The Los Angeles Lakers last season, and now he will get paid to be Detroit’s three point threat. Detroit and Meeks reached a 3 year $19 million dollar deal with the possibility to make $20 million when it’s all said and done. Meeks averaged 15.7 PPG while shooting 40% from outside the arc, and the 2013-2014 season was certainly his best, setting career highs in points per game, field goal percentage, and three point percentage. Meeks has progressed into a solid shooting guard so far, but being in Mike D’antoni’s system probably was the best thing that could’ve happened to Meeks. Meeks will step into a big role for Detroit as their go to shooter and being their best shooter on the team as of right now.
Stan Van Gundy has shown in the past that he loves his shooters and will get them open no matter who it is, and I can see Meeks being a nice piece for him. Detroit desperately needed a three point shooter while shooting 32% last season as a team from 3PT which was 29th in the league, and Meeks was one of the better shooters in the league. Detroit may have overpaid Meeks to come to Detroit, but they filled a need but still have more pieces to add to the puzzle according to Stan Van Gundy. (Quote from CBS Detroit)
“The analogy I’ve used is we’re not going to hit a home run, but if we can get three singles, or two singles and a double and drive in a couple runs, we’ll be okay, I think it’s important. I think we can improve some things on our team, I think we’re pretty specific about what we’re looking for and we’ll go out and pursue those guys. Then you need a little bit of luck, too, you really do.” – Detroit Pistons Head Coach Stan Van Gundy
Detroit’s game plan looks like they’re going to fill out their roster instead of star chasing like quite a few of the teams around the league. The Pistons have a big decision to make with Greg Monroe as well on whether they’re going to pay him or not. One thing I do know for sure Detroit won’t be done making moves and they’ll certainly add a couple more shooters to the roster considering it is a dire need for this roster. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Detroit explore trade talks once again to move Josh Smith if the right deal is there. Smith isn’t the best shooter and doesn’t fit well alongside Monroe and Drummond with all three of them not exactly the most complimentary pieces I’d assume Smith is the odd man out.
