We have a real dilemma.

[He Filled it Up]

In terms of production, Pistons are the worst team in the league. We've got more talent the 76ers, but right now no one is playing at as low of a level as Detroit. Despite being in the East we're very likely already out of playoff contention. So then that regard, being this bad is a good thing.

Here's the problem though, how do we improve our situation going forward? IMO just about any change to the current roster, especially moving Smith, probably makes the team better and our draft position worse. But while we certainly are lacking talent, the bigger issues are the fit of the roster and the roles that the current guys are in.

So what do we do? If we stay the course I could honestly see us having the worst record, but even with a top 3 pick we could very likely have the same issues next year.On the other hand, if we completely bite to bullet (think Eric Gordon/Deron Williams-level) to remove some of our headaches we probably hurt our draft position without really improving talent or financial flexibility.

What would you do to enter next season with some semblance of hope?

[MrBigShot]

Tough to say specifically with so many uncertainties. If we land a top 3 pick, I'd take BPA completely disregarding position. The other two biggest priorities are bringing in more talent through FA/trade and changing the culture and getting rid of Smith/Jennings (Jennings isn't to blame for our play this season, but I just don't see him as someone who will ever be a starting PG on a great team). Pursue Dragic, Tobias Harris, Knight, Draymond Green, Wes Matthews aggressively in FA, in that order or priority. Butler and Leonard would be great as well, but realistically speaking I'd be shocked if chicago/san antonio don't match any offer those guys get.

[theBigLip]

We might as well blow it up. No big dilemma

KCP and Drummond are keepers. Maybe Meeks. Dinwiddie and JJ as backups/role players. Get a top 3 pick. Get some better FA next year. But I'm not expecting playoffs next year either.

[Kilo]

Knicks are going to go into full tank mode it seems - Philly level tank mode. Melo is going to "shut it down" for awhile to get healthy, I wonder if that would take the rest of the season...

[Ghost]

There's also the thought, what if Smith is more moveable in the offseason and we sell it as just a failure/blow-up like the Nets are doing now. He'll have two years left, maybe someone gives us a smaller 2 yr contract+an expiring so we get out a bit early. But on the other hand... what if no one wants him . I don't want to be stuck with him because it's clear that he handicaps development with his usage.

My best case is that we should trade him now for bench players who make up the same contract or less in terms of total value. I don't think that just losing Smith will completely turn us around and push us out from top 3-4 land. However, it sells developmental period and direction. Trading for Williams or Johnson, kind of does the opposite.

This should be a poll: Trade Now or Wait. Could be interesting results.

[He Filled it Up]

Poll added.

[MotownMadness]

I wouldn't make any moves until the deadline. This team is so bad because its such a bad fit. Ride it out till the deadline and see where were at, If we are so far behind in the standings that we are stuck with a top 3 pick then look into trades. I dont want to do anything to jeopardize our draft status, Thats are best chance at having a brighter future. So basically just ride it out the rest of the season because we know how bad this roster is. Seriously how many games have we one since last years deadline till now, Cant be more than 10.

[Billl]

The goal is still the same - change the culture of this team.

That means moving smith for sure. We need to get his attitude as far away from dre as possible. The shot selection is one thing, but his moping and sniping on defense just are too much.

Jennings hasn't really been a problem, but I don't think he's part of the solution either. If you can get something for him, great. Otherwise, I think he falls in line well enough to not hold the team back.

DJ - really disappointed. I thought he was going to push Jennings, but his defense has been almost as bad. On or the other needs to be moved to get dinwiddie some action. We need at least 1 pg that will play D.

[Southern Piston]

I would move Jennings or Augestine and open up time for Dimwiddie, the faster he improves the better. Outside of that I would be trying to move Monroe or Smith. Whoever I can the best deal for. We should at least be able to swing a 1st for Monroe to a playoff team needing a big. I would gut it all except Drummond, KCP, and Dimwiidle, for draft picks, and any player in his first 3yrs that could be a rotational player on a winnnig team in the future. Use the the rest of this season and the next to acquire as much young talent as possible.

[Kilo]

We;re gonna get out tanked by Philly, Knicks, Wolves and possibly LAL, and probably have to worry about Utah and Charlotte as well.

[MotownMadness]

We;re gonna get out tanked by Philly, Knicks, Wolves and possibly LAL, and probably have to worry about Utah and Charlotte as well.

I think the Lakers will have a better record than us but the Knicks and Wolves are really scaring me. It seems like a top 3 draft in terms of star potential. And thats Okafor, Towns and Mudiay. Then theres quite a few all star potential players after that in Johnson, Winslow, Turner, Henzoja etc... Either way we will get a good prospect but we really need one of those top 3s.