The Detroit Pistons are not going to do anything hasty in the wake of the Jaden Ivey injury, as they have internal options to explore and other ways to add depth without making a big trade.
I thought we might see some G-League call ups on 10-day contracts, but instead the Pistons just swapped two of their two-way contracts for new players.
The Pistons signed Tolu Smith from the Motor City Cruise to a two-way deal as well as Ron Harper Jr. from the Maine Celtics, dumping Cole Swider and Alondes Williams in the process according to Omari Sankofa II.
On the surface, these are just depth moves that give the Pistons warm bodies for positions that have recently suffered injuries.
But in the case of Tolu Smith, it could be a tryout for future roster spot if the Pistons make a move before February's trade deadline.
Detroit Pistons: Tolu Smith and Ron Harper Jr.
It’s hard to see either of these players getting minutes, even with the injury to Ivey, but of the two, Smith might have the best case.
He’s played well in the G-League so far in five games, scoring 15.6 points with 8.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 blocks per game for the Cruise.
The Pistons already have three bigs on the roster in Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart and Paul Reed, but that might not be the case post trade deadline.
I don’t expect the Pistons to move either Duren or Stewart, but you never know. Even if they don't, the Pistons might want to bolster a group that has had some injuries or at least have an emergency option.
The Pistons haven’t done much with their two-way contracts in recent years so it will be interesting to see if Smith gets any run or if this is simply a meaningless roster move that won't matter in the slightest.
The Pistons did get a look at him in Summer League, so he’s been on their radar. He doesn’t shoot much, but is strong around the rim and at least gives them another player at a position where they have had some nagging injuries.
We could see more shuffling before the trade deadline as the Pistons try to find someone who could stick or at least be depth if they do make a trade.
This certainly isn't the big move a lot of fans are talking about, but it does give the Pistons more depth in a pinch.