This is the fifth in a series of columns examining how the Pistons can improve their roster in 2019-20. You can find prior stories here.



With holes to fill and finances limited, the Pistons might look in-house — well, sort of — to piece together their roster for next season. Naturally, the decision to retain existing pieces from a squad that squeezed into the playoffs on the regular season’s final day would be deemed uneventful, but it may be the best course of action given the organization’s current situation.



Two players Detroit will strongly consider bringing back from its 2018-19 squad are backup point guard Ish Smith and swingman Reggie Bullock, who was traded just before February’s deadline to the Lakers for rookie Svi Mykhailiuk and a 2021 second-round pick. Both players would address roster needs and come at a doable price. The only issue is that the Pistons will likely only be able to afford one if they choose this route...