Milwaukee Bucks: 3 things to watch for in visit to Detroit Pistons

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 23: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against Thon Maker #7 of the Detroit Pistons during a game at Fiserv Forum on November 23, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 23: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against Thon Maker #7 of the Detroit Pistons during a game at Fiserv Forum on November 23, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 10: (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – FEBRUARY 10: (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

The Sad Boys

At long last, the rebuild the Pistons fought hard to avoid over the last couple of years has finally come to pass.

Since the last time the Bucks faced off against their division rival, All-Star forward Blake Griffin underwent surgery to repair his left knee, the same knee that limited him in the first round during the playoffs against the Bucks. Then, after seven and a half years in Detroit, Andre Drummond was sent to Cleveland in exchange for former Bucks players John Henson, Brandon Knight and a 2023 second round pick from the Cleveland Cavaliers before the trade deadline earlier this month.

The hits kept coming during the All-Star break as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier this week that they had bought out the expiring contract of veteran point guard Reggie Jackson, freeing him to sign with the L.A. Clippers

Through all of this action, the Pistons have continued to build a bizarro Bucks team under general manager Ed Stefanski and the team’s entire front office.

Now at 19-38 going into their final 25 games of the season, the Pistons will look to develop the few building blocks they have in place, such as former Bucks player center Christian Wood, who continues to make his mark in the NBA, and is doing so ahead of hitting free agency this summer.