Pistons' Free Agent Targets as of 7-1-09

Pistons' potential targets: Ben Gordon and more
by A. Sherrod Blakely
Tuesday June 30, 2009, 11:15 PM

The Detroit Pistons will have their pick of the litter during free agency, which begins at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. But Detroit will be working from a relatively short list of players team officials believe can make an immediate impact.

Here's a list of players Detroit has some level of interest in acquiring this offseason.

Ben Gordon, Chicago
• Pro: Big-time shooter, especially in the closing moments of tight games.
• Con: At 6-foot-3, he is undersized for a shooting guard.


Charlie Villanueva, Milwaukee
• Pro: Young, versatile, athletic front court scorer.
• Con: Needs to improve as a defender.

Paul Millsap, Utah*
• Pro: Tough, rugged rebounder who is a decent low-post scorer.
• Con: Coveted by every team with decent cap space this summer.

David Lee, New York*
• Pro: A double-double machine.
• Con: Restricted free agent status makes him tougher to acquire.

Brandon Bass, Dallas
• Pro: High-energy player; outworks most opponents in the paint.
• Con: At 6-7, he is undersized to play power forward.

Lamar Odom, L.A. Lakers
• Pro: Can play all five positions on the court.
• Con: Might consider re-signing with Lakers for less money.

Antonio McDyess, Detroit
• Pro: Solid rebounder, pick-and-pop shooter; good locker room presence.
• Con: Might consider playing for a team closer to winning title.

* -- restricted free agent