PistonPowered
Fansided

Detroit Pistons exercise team option, retain Reggie Bullock

By Andrew Brewster

DENVER, CO - MARCH 15: Reggie Bullock #25 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 15, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - MARCH 15: Reggie Bullock #25 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 15, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

On July 15, the Detroit Pistons guaranteed Reggie Bullock’s second-year team option, keeping him on the roster for one more season.

In a move that was surprising to no one, the Detroit Pistons have decided to initiate their player option for Reggie Bullock’s 2018-19 season.

Stan Van Gundy’s time with the Detroit Pistons will likely be remembered more for the failures rather than the successes. However, there certainly were some of the latter along the way. One of those victories was the signing of Bullock.

Bullock, 27, was a well-regarded, first-round pick coming out of North Carolina. Unfortunately, his career never really took hold, as he was plagued by injuries. In the summer of 2015, Bullock was traded to the Pistons, along with Marcus Morris and Danny Granger.

He had a hard time finding the court in 2015-16, and continued to struggle with injuries. He had yet to play more than 45 games in a season, appearing in only 37 that year.

This allowed Van Gundy to sign him to a modest two-year, $5 million contract. The contract, already a bargain, was also given a highly coveted team option for the second year.

DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 30: Reggie Bullock #25 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates with Andre Drummond #0 and Stanley Johnson #7 while playing the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena on January 30, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 125-114. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 30: Reggie Bullock #25 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates with Andre Drummond #0 and Stanley Johnson #7 while playing the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena on January 30, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 125-114. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Career Turnaround

Everything changed for Reggie Bullock in the 2017-18 season. He played in 62 games, by far the most in his career for one season.

He averaged 27.9 minutes per game during that time, shooting a stunning 44.5 percent from three on 4.5 attempts per game. On top of this, he showed himself to be an above-average defender who can cover multiple positions on the court.

It’s still unclear what role Bullock will take in Dwane Casey’s roster. He plays both shooting guard and small forward, so he’ll be competing with Luke Kennard, Stanley Johnson, and Glenn Robinson III for floor time.

One of our PistonPowered writers, Martin Mansour, took to Twitter to ask fans which guards they would like to see start this season. The overwhelming majority are hopeful to see Bullock start alongside Luke Kennard on the wing:

Next: Pistons starting lineup projections

Personally, I think I’d want to see Bullock and Johnson, start as that would be the Pistons best defensive lineup. Where do you want to see Bullock play this year? Let us know in the comments!

Home/Pistons News