The Detroit Pistons currently have 13 standard roster spots filled, with the last two up for grabs in training camp that starts next week.
One of them is almost certain to go to Paul Reed, whose contract is non-guaranteed but who figures to get rotation minutes at backup center.
The battle for the final roster spot will include two-way players, future G-Leaguers and recent signing Lamar Stevens.
The Pistons inked Stevens to what is likely a one-year non-guaranteed deal to compete in training camp.
Lamar Stevens has signed with the @DetroitPistons 🖊️
— Priority Sports (@PrioritySports) September 26, 2024
Congrats, @LamarStevens11! pic.twitter.com/F23xfrdZUD
Stevens is a tough and versatile defender who has played with the Cavaliers, Celtics and Grizzlies. He has never been a good shooter, but could defend his way onto the roster. He had a nice run ewith the Grizzlies last season where he averaged over 11 points and five rebounds off the bench.
The Pistons could also elect to keep a roster spot open, as they still have cap space and may want to remain flexible to make a move at the deadline.
Derrick Rose: Showing how to adapt
Derrick Rose announced his retirement after 16 seasons, 65 games of which were played in Detroit.
Rose was always a fan favorite because of his electric style of play that made him the league’s youngest MVP, but from there it was all what could have been.
Multiple knee surgeries derailed Rose’s career, but to his credit, he re-invented himself as a 6th man and had a lot of success as a change-of-pace scorer off the bench. Rose received 6th Man of the Year votes in his two seasons in Detroit, where he averaged over 18 points in his first season.
Rose ended up with a long career because he was able to evolve from a high usage guy into an impactful role player.
Zach Lowe fired by ESPN
This is not directly related to the Pistons, but yesterday ESPN announced that they were laying off senior NBA writer Zach Lowe.
Lowe is one of the best in the business, so I am certain he’ll land on his feet, but what is going on at ESPN? It has gotten progressively worse nearly every year, leaning more into talking heads and hot takes than people who just want to talk about sports without yelling.
Lowe was one of the few they had left, and one of the only national writers who ever bother to write about the Pistons. But he doesn't scream or give rage-bait soundbytes, so he's out. Great.
Lowe is unique in that he provides deep dives into any and every team and his love of hoops comes through in all of it. For those of us who just like to talk basketball without all of the nonsense, this is a sad day, though I am sure Lowe will be back.