Detroit Pistons: 3 roster battles to watch this offseason
Detroit Pistons: Luka Garza vs. Jahlil Okafor
The biggest item of news last night not related to Jalen Green ripping Detroit was that the Pistons extended one of their two-way contracts to Luka Garza.
Pistons rookie center Luka Garza will sign a two-way deal, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Garza, the No. 52 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, had a standout summer league for Detroit.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 16, 2021
Garza has been one of the standouts of Summer League, finishing with two strong games where he scored over 20 points and had at least 14 rebounds.
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The Detroit Pistons were smart to keep Garza on a two-way contract, as it still leaves them a roster spot for Jahlil Okafor, but how long that roster spot lasts is anyone’s guess.
Count me as part of the group who thinks Garza should play over Okafor now, as Luka is a more versatile offensive player and both are fairly awful on defense, though Garza puts in more effort and looks better overall.
I can definitely see a scenario where Garza wins this spot outright before the season even starts and the Pistons send Jahlil Okafor packing in a low-stakes trade, buyout or simply by cutting him.
I love Garza’s attitude and work ethic and he looks ready to push himself to another level where Okafor has been the same player since joining the league.
Advantage: Luka Garza
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