Detroit Pistons: 2 players making their cases for next season

The Detroit Pistons kept their spot as the NBA’s worst team even after beating the Pacers last night with mostly backups.

The Pistons don’t have a lot to play for as a team in these last 13 games, but they do have several players competing for minutes and possibly future contracts for next season.

Two of them were in action last night, as both RJ Hampton and Eugene Omoruyi got plenty of run vs. the Pacers and had their best games so far while in Detroit.

Both guys have had their moments since joining the Pistons, and depending on how the roster shakes out this offseason, they could end up on the team next season.

Detroit Pistons: RJ Hampton and Eugene Omoruyi

The Detroit Pistons already have 10 players under contract for next season, so when you add in at least one draft pick and a free agent or two, there aren’t going to be many open spots available.

If the Pistons really want to shake things up, we could see one of their big men traded (Marvin Bagley III please) and maybe even someone like Killian Hayes, who has made some strides but is still the worst shooter in the entire NBA.

A lot can happen between now and next season, so there could be some back-of-the-bench spots available.

Hampton would be a third point-guard type even if the Pistons decide to keep Hayes, and they already have a cheap team option for him for next season. He’s been up and down since joining Detroit, but has come on lately, as it looks like he’s getting more comfortable with his new team.

He has averaged 7.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists in nine games with the Pistons, peaking last night with 15 points, six rebounds and three assists off the bench. He might be worth the $1.9 million option Detroit has for him next season, especially if they decide to finally part ways with Cory Joseph. Hampton is still young, is very athletic and has some upside, so he could be their third point guard next season.

Eugene Omoruyi might be my favorite story of the season, as he has played well since signing multiple 10-day contacts with Detroit, scoring 9.7 points and adding 3.2 rebounds per game in the six he’s played with the Pistons.

Omoruyi isn’t flashy, but he makes plays, is a decent defender with long arms, and always seems to be in the right spot. He has a little Jason Maxiell vibe to him, as he isn’t the greatest athlete but plays hard and uses his length to be disruptive. He had 17 points, six rebounds and three steals last night while recording a team-high +24 net rating in his first start for Detroit.

He’d be far more likely to get a two-way contract for next season, but given that the Pistons have gotten nothing out of those contracts, that could be a great option for both sides.

I’m cheering for both guys, and one or both could end up playing for the Detroit Pistons in some capacity next season depending on other offseason moves.