Peyton Siva and Tony Mitchell on Pistons Summer League roster
By Joe Dexter
The Pistons have determined at least two players that will accompany this year’s 2nd round draft pick as teammates at this year’s Orlando Pro Summer League starting July 5th at the Orlando Magic practice facility.
According to Pistons.com’s Keith Langlois, point guard Peyton Siva and power forward Tony Mitchell will both return to the Summer League squad and receive a lot of playing time in this year’s competition.
Langlois touched on both players plans this summer in his latest mailbag.
"Siva finished his rookie season with a flourish. Unless the Pistons draft a point guard at No. 38, Siva is going to get a lot of minutes at the point with the Summer League team and that will be a great opportunity for him to make an impression on Stan Van Gundy and the coaching staff."
Siva improved drastically through his first year in the league and had some monstrous games in the NBA Developmental League with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
In his debut game in December, Siva scored 24 points in 28 minutes against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
He would follow that up in early January, after returning from a wrist injury, with a near triple double performance. Siva dropped 27 points, 10 assists, 8 steals and 3 rebounds against the Iowa Energy.
Siva played in just 24 games last season, with most of his minutes coming in April.
Fellow 2013 2nd round pick Tony Mitchell will also compete for the Pistons at this year’s Orlando Pro Summer Camp.
Keith Langlois also touched on in his mailbag what Mitchell will need to work on in Summer League play to land a spot on the Pistons roster.
"There are a lot of rough edges to Mitchell’s game – that’s why he lasted to the 37th pick last June – but he has one clearly identifiable NBA skill and that’s his explosive athleticism around the rim. His ability to finish lob dunks, grab offensive rebounds and affect shots defensively is Mitchell’s ticket to an NBA role. He’ll be one of the players I’ll be watching most closely in Orlando next month during Summer League to see if he can more consistently use his athleticism to his advantage. Down the road, if he can show a capable mid-range game – and, yes, Mitchell does have some potential as a mid-range scorer – and show himself to be an option as a perimeter defender so he could see the floor against more mobile power forwards, those are all things that will improve his chances to play. But the No. 1 priority for Mitchell this summer will be to do what he does best more consistently."
The forward played in 21 games with the Pistons last year, but averaged just 3.8 minutes per game.
The Pistons understand that his overall offensive efficiency needs improving, but also know the energy he brings to the floor.
Mitchell could be a unique role player this season if he impresses in summer camp.
Having both Siva and Mitchell in Orlando is a great move for the Pistons organization. Both are talents that need to be considered assets. The best way to develop them is to give them these opportunities to succeed and show off their skills.
It’s hard to picture neither player making the roster next year. If they don’t, basketball fans in Grand Rapids will be in for a true treat in the inaugural season of the Grand Rapids Drive.