How many open spots on Detroit Pistons roster are there really?

So what do the Detroit Pistons do with Luka Garza, or any other player who looks good in Las Vegas

Let us look at the Detroit Pistons options for adding players to the crowded roster:

• They have one two-way contract slot still available. But the player can only have 45 days with the NBA team, and pays less than than the NBA minimum.
• Eat more millions in guaranteed money by releasing more players. Sure owner Tom Gores will love that, and, again, while it clears a roster spot, it does not provide any salary cap relief.
• Swing some trades to open up roster space.
• Use Exhibit 10 contracts, which keep players strictly in the G-League but pays them more to stay with the organization.

Signing Garza to a two-way is probably a good idea. It rewards a hard worker and gives hope to others that, if they follow in his footsteps, they have a chance as well.

He is a rookie and he needs to play. Garza can use the time to work on his defense and refine his offense.

The G-League usually has a lot of quick players that will challenge him. The Pistons can still bring him up for periods of time and, if he looks like Bill Laimbeer 2.0, they can always upgrade him to an NBA contract.

As for the others, like Detroit’s other draft pick, 7-1 Balsa Koprivica, an Exhibit 10 would seem in order. The Pistons are starting a brand new G-League team at Wayne State, they want it to be competitive.

What happens with Diallo will be interesting.

Nothing is done in a vacuum. Troy Weaver can count roster spots and guaranteed contracts too. Bet on some kind of trade involving a current Pistons player for like, a 2028 second-round pick, to free up a spot if he, indeeds, returns to Detroit.

Usually, when a team goes 20-52, there are lots of open roster spots available because, well, why bring back players who went 20-52?

But Detroit has at least 11 (maybe 12) players from last season returning, all with guaranteed contracts. So, for a new guy to make the Pistons, they must really be impressive, because there is really no room at the inn.