Jobless, bombing and mediocre: Where 9 ex-Detroit Pistons are now

Monte Morris, Minnesota Timberwolves

Monte Morris, a Grand Rapids native, was brought in this past offseason to provide veteran leadership as well as minutes and perimeter shooting with the second unit. Due to an injury, Morris’ debut for his hometown Pistons was put on hold for a majority of the first half of the season. It’s because of this missed time, as well as the emergence of Marcus Sasser as a young backup point guard/bucket getter, that suddenly made Monte Morris expendable. In order to not limit Sassers’ development, Morris was traded to the Timberwolves for Shake Milton, Troy Brown, and a second round pick.

Since joining Minnesota, Morris is averaging 5.6 points, 3 assists, 1 stock, and 36 percent from three in a reserve role. If he can increase his percentage from deep slightly, this is likely exactly what the Timberwolves were hoping for. For Detroit, Sasser’s minutes and development were more important than Monte’s production.

Mike Muscala, Oklahoma City Thunder

Mike Muscala was acquired with Danilo Gallinari, providing the same benefits that his fellow former Wizards stretch big man did. As mentioned with Gallinari, both these players provided Detroit with something they did not previously have, and showed how badly Detroit needed it. When Gallinari was waived, it was not much of a shock due to his age and the likelihood of not being re-signed by the Pistons this offseason. Muscala, however, is three years younger than Danilo. I felt that Muscala would have been a good veteran piece for the Pistons to keep around for the next few years to provide a stretch big presence. 

Unfortunately for Pistons fans, Troy Weaver is on record that he always wants to do right by his players, so when Muscala requested he be given the opportunity to join a contender, Muscala suddenly fell out of the rotation and was subsequently waived. Since leaving Detroit on February 28th, Mike has signed with the young, exciting and dominant Oklahoma City Thunder. He’s played just one game for OKC, putting up five points, three rebounds, and shot 33 percent from deep.

Shake Milton, New York Knicks

Shake Milton was acquired with Troy Brown from the Timberwolves in exchange for Monte Morris. In his four games seeing the court for Detroit, Shake averaged 6.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and connected from deep at 33 percent. Milton, however, was just bought out by Detroit on March 1st and has joined the New York Knicks.