The Detroit Pistons have signed former Michigan State standout Jaden Akins to an Exhibit 10 contract, according to Keith Smith of Spotrac.
It’s not a signing that is going to rattle the foundations of the NBA, nor one that will even affect the Pistons roster, as Akins is likely just a training camp guy who will end up playing for Detroit’s G-League affiliate.
He’s not going to see the court for the Pistons unless something goes horribly wrong, but Detroit does need to add a steady stream of potential NBA talent in their pipeline, as they haven’t hit on a second-round pick or undrafted free agent in a long time.
With team building made even more difficult by the current tax rules, hitting on a young player outside of the first round is a huge advantage, as they are on low-cost contracts that offer extreme value for money compared to lottery picks.
So even if Akins doesn’t make the team, he’s an interesting developmental project who could offer something down the road. That is, if he remembers how to shoot.
Jaden Akins lost his 3-point shot
Akins was a four-year player at Michigan State whose shooting actually got worse as he aged. In his sophomore season, Akins shot over 42 percent from long range on four attempts per game but saw that number drop to 36 percent his junior year and all the way down to 29 percent last season on five attempts per game.
Ouch.
The 6-foot-4 combo guard who comes from Farmington, Michigan is a good defender, though there are questions about his size and strength, which are likely reasons he wasn’t drafted in 2025.
He does have some intangibles though, as he was a captain his last two seasons and known as a leader in the locker room, all great, but it won’t matter if he doesn’t make shots, as NBA teams aren’t employing too many guards who can’t shoot.
He’ll bring some toughness and experience to training camp as a guy who played all four years of college and made the Big Ten All-Defensive team, so if nothing else, he’s a project that the Pistons can try to develop into a 3-and-D prospect.
Akins will have to show that his shot is salvageable to have a chance, but it would be great if the Pistons could develop a player from Michigan, and I am certain he’s excited for the opportunity.