Detroit Pistons: It’s time for Luka Garza and Saben Lee

The Detroit Pistons are already realizing the benefits of having a local G-League team.

They’ve been able to send their young players back and forth easily, which has allowed the team to maximize their reps and still give them time with the regular roster.

But the Pistons are going to have to lean on their G-League depth soon, as it was announced that Kelly Olynyk will be out for an extended period with a left knee sprain:

This is terrible news for the Detroit Pistons, who are already thin at center, but it will give Luka Garza a chance to get some run as the backup.

Garza has been good in his two G-League games so far, and will hopefully replace some of the shooting that the Pistons will lose in Olynyk’s absence.

Garza is not as well-rounded a player as Olynyk yet in his young career, but he can rebound and shoot the 3-ball, two things the Pistons desperately need.

This news is obviously bad for the Detroit Pistons, but the bright side is that we’ll get an extended look at Garza.

Detroit Pistons: Saben Lee has earned some minutes

Though it won’t be because of injury, Saben Lee should also be called up from the G-League to get some run with the Detroit Pistons.

Cory Joseph has been mediocre to start the season, shooting just 41 percent overall and 31 percent from long range. Lee has been putting up eye-popping numbers in the G-League and deserves a chance to show what he can do.

The one thing Joseph brings to the table is that he can get into the lane and set up teammates, something Lee is also good at doing. The difference is that Lee can also score when he gets there. Lee has also showed an improving 3-point shot, and could add a spark to a team that is struggling mightily to score.

Whether it is because of injury or ineffectiveness, these two G-League players are going to get a look soon, let’s hope they make the most of it and help the Detroit Pistons stay afloat through their struggles.