The Detroit Pistons made another fringe move, signing guard Elijah Harkless to their final two-way contract.
Harkless is 26 years old and has bounced around a bit, putting up monster numbers in the G-League and appearing in 36 games for the Jazz over the last two seasons.
Harkless is a journeyman after going undrafted and will join Isaac Jones and Ugonna Onyenso as the two-way deals for the Pistons.
Jones was back and forth with Detroit and the G-League last season, and Onyenso was chosen with the 53rd pick of the draft this year.
Although these three are very different players at different positions, they have some things in common and fit a theme for the Pistons.
The Pistons’ two-way deals can play and defend
Jones, Onyenso and Harkless are all players known for their defense, as Harkless reportedly drew praise from the Jazz staff for being a relentless defender.
Onyenso was one of the best shot blockers in college basketball last season and brings little to the table on offense other than setting screens, but he can defend around the rim.
Jones is a guy the Pistons obviously see something in, and he too is a player known for his defense, as he can guard a couple of spots.
They are all older “prospects” who can potentially step in if needed, and the Pistons showed last year that they may be, as a string of minor injuries kept Detroit’s two-way guys busy.
Obviously, the Pistons would rather not have to dip into their two-way ranks, but if they have to, at least these aren’t teenaged prospects who have little to offer.
Onyenso may be able to step in as the 3rd center at some point this season if his defense plays, Jones is a break-in-case-of-emergency power forward and Harkless has a little Javonte Green vibe as a guy who can guard up. Harkless did average over 25 points per game in the G-League, so he has some scoring chops as well.
We’ll have to wait and see if there is more shuffling in the two-way ranks, but these three guys are solid and have enough experience to potentially step in if there are injuries next season.
We are still waiting for the big move that may never come, but for now Trajan Langdon is content to improve his deep reserves, which could end up being important if someone goes down for an extended period.
This is how the Pistons found Daniss Jenkins, so there may be another hidden gem that just needs the right opportunity.
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