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Detroit Pistons: Some ‘injuries’ stranger than others in NBA tank land

By Stuart London

Detroit Pistons guard Rodney McGruder (17) warms up before the game against the Golden State Warriors.. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Pistons guard Rodney McGruder (17) warms up before the game against the Golden State Warriors.. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Pistons guard Dennis Smith Jr. (0) drives to the basket against Portland Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Pistons guard Dennis Smith Jr. (0) drives to the basket against Portland Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

Dennis Smith Jr. and the Detroit Pistons

When Dennis Smith Jr. arrived on February 8 as from the New York Knicks as part of the Derrick Rose trade, there was a lot of excitement among Pistons fans.

Smith Jr. had been the ninth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. Initially, he played well and made the All-Rookie team. He was so well thought of, Smith was a key component in the Kristaps Porzingis trade and went to the Knicks.

Things went downhill from there. By the time of the Rose trade, Smith Jr. was in quarantine to play for the Knicks’ G-League down in the Orlando bubble.

That actually posed a problem, as Detroit needed him right away and Smith was rusty from being stuck in a hotel room for a week.

However, Smith Jr. quickly acclimated himself and played well.

Related Story. Detroit Pistons: Dennis Smith Jr. could complement Killian Hayes. light

By late February, Smith Jr. was hitting his stride. He had three straight games scoring in double-digits against New Orleans, Orlando and Sacramento (remember this pre-tanking, these teams were still trying to win).

On March 3, Smith Jr. had a triple-double with 10 points, 11 assists and 12 rebounds against Toronto.

Then, bad luck hit Smith Jr.. Shortly after the Toronto game, he missed three games due to league health & safety protocols. His playing time, when he got into games, was erratic after that.

Smith Jr. has only played more than 20 minutes in a game once since March 13 (the game before he was sidelined due to the protocols).

He has not played for the Pistons since April 10. For a player with a team option (which most likely will not be picked up) and an uncertain future, sitting in no way helps him.

One difference from the rest of those listed on the injury report, is that Smith Jr. has actually been injured.

Smith Jr. is listed as suffering from left knee soreness. You do not want to aggravate an injury for meaningless games, particularly if you are not sure of your situation for next season.

However, Smith Jr. should also not be shelved for the season. There may be just a couple of weeks left, but it important to see what Smith Jr. could offer the Pistons in the future.

If Smith Jr. is cleared for action, even if for just 4-5 games, Detroit must get him on the floor.

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