Biggest X factor in the Pistons' recent surge

When the Detroit Pistons signed free-agent Tobias Harris last summer, there was a collective yawn from the NBA. 

The reactions were mixed from Pistons’ fans, as some saw him as mediocre and overpaid, while others thought he was a solid addition on a two-year deal. 

I liked the signing for both basketball and financial reasons, as Harris is one of the most consistent players in the NBA, something the Pistons desperately needed, and given it was just a two-year deal, he gives the Pistons a valuable expiring contract next summer. 

Harris has proven to be more than just a stopgap, as “Unc” has been a stabilizing force in the offense, especially during the Pistons’ recent five-game win streak. 

Tobias Harris: By the numbers 

Harris got off to a slow start this season and was putting up some of the worst shooting numbers of his career. They still weren’t terrible, but it took him some time to find his role and rhythm in the Pistons’ offense. 

He’s been on fire of late, averaging 20.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals during the last five games while shooting 61.9 percent from the floor, 42.6 percent from long range and 94 percent at the free-throw line, where he is getting more regularly, with 3.6 attempts per game in that span. 

Harris stepped up as a secondary scoring option after Jaden Ivey went down, and he’s the guy they usually go to in a spot where they desperately need a bucket. 

Tobias Harris: Stabilizer 

JB Bickerstaff has been great about getting Harris mismatches and quality looks in the paint, which is the play the Pistons generally go to when they need a hoop. 

Harris has the size to shoot over most wings and guards and uses it well. The Pistons prefer ball movement, but go to Harris several times per game in the post if they can sniff out a mismatch and he usually delivers. 

We saw it in the last win, when the Pistons were struggling after a hot start. Harris kept them in the game with an array of short, mid-range and long-range jumpers, including a 3-pointer that helped them regain the lead at the half. 

Harris is a part of almost all of the Pistons’ best lineups and has a team-best +5.2 net rating on the season. 

He’s also a guy you can pencil into the lineup just about every night for big minutes, as he’s second on the team in minutes played and minutes per game behind just Cade Cunningham. 

Harris has nailed the assignment, as he defers to Cade and only hunts his own shot when it’s there or the team needs him to. This is a guy who is an accomplished scorer who could be jacking up a ton of shots (like Bogdanovic or Grant), but he knows his role and is happy to be a second or third option, whatever the team needs.

He’s been the perfect veteran role player whose experience has undoubtedly helped the development of the young players. Just ask them. 

The Harris signing has been a home run for Trajan Langdon, who pushed all of the right buttons in the offseason.