12-20-2023, 11:28 AM
(12-20-2023, 10:42 AM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: That's how I look at it also. Hardy and a second for Stewart (with next year's money largely a wash with Holmes and Hardy gone and presuming you don't keep Hayes...or sign him to a minimum). With the emergence of Exum, Hardy's path is difficult here behind Exum, Green and THJ. Also who is the higher priority for developmental minutes....OMax or Hardy? There are only so many of those types of minutes to go around. Hardy for Stewart moves assets from a position of abundance to a position of need.
Hayes is one of the worst offensive players in the league. He has no right hand and no outside shot. He moves the ball well and plays decent D. Lots of similarities to Frankie Smokes (who is now a minimum wage guy). I don't have an issue giving him a tryout for a few months, but expectations are low. I do think something I mentioned in a previous post is kind of cool...Hayes's dad and Lively's mom were at Penn State at the same time for a good bit of their collegiate careers.
It is interesting to think about. I have been disappointed in Hardy so far this year. I knew there would be a minutes crunch for him but I thought he would make a stronger case that he deserves minutes. I hope is the typical up and downs of a young player. Never really is it a straight line. I am a little concerned. My hope for Hardy was eventually in the Hardaway role and also Kyrie insurance for down the road.
If you were to move Hardy for Stewart, it isn't like you are trading for a 30 year old player. Stewart is still young. I really liked Stewart in the draft but to be honest have not really watched much of the Pistons. Can he impact games when he doesn't have any plays called for him? It is easy to look good in highlights but those don't tell the full story. I would be really interested to know what his market is with the other teams.