NBA: 5 observations on Detroit Pistons summer league roster
The Detroit Pistons released who they were sending to Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League. There were many interesting names and choices made. But, yes, Cade Cunningham will be there.
An NBA championship is within reach for the Detroit Pistons this year. Well, the NBA Summer League championship at least. The Las Vegas oddsmakers have the Pistons as second favorite to Portland to win the summer league title.
On August 5, the Pistons issued their roster for the Summer League. It listed 17 names that included an interesting mix of Olympians, starters, semi-veterans, injured players and still one name missing who should play in Las Vegas.
The league runs from August 8 to 17 at two arenas on the campus of University of Nevada-Las Vegas.
First, here is the (current) roster for Pistons Summer League:
#Pistons Summer League roster pic.twitter.com/XxFHfb9ljl
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) August 5, 2021
Here are 5 observations on the Detroit Pistons NBA Summer League roster:
5. Injured players welcome
Pistons coach Dwane Casey ruled out center Isaiah Stewart, and rookies Chris Smith and Isaiah Livers for any action in summer league due to injuries. None are any great surprise.
Stewart rolled his ankle playing for the USA Select team against Team USA in training camp, ironically, held in Las Vegas. Since then, ‘Beef Stew’ has been seen around town at events wearing a walking boot.
Casey said that if this was the start of the regular season, Stewart might be able to play, but, there was no reason to push it for summer league. After all, with the trade of Mason Plumlee, Stewart should not be hurting for playing time. No reason to risk aggravating the injury, and it will give others a chance to show what they have.
As all Michigan basketball fans know, Livers has been dealing with a foot injury since March. He says he will be ready by November, so making summer league was never in the plan.
Smith, as fans of UCLA know, tore his ACL back in January. Since he is expected to be a two-way player (most of his time spent in the G-League), there is no reason to rush him either.
All three, despite not being able to play, are listed on the roster. Why? Most likely because they plan on being there to be part of team. Also, being on the roster means they can at least partially get involved in practices, as much as they can.