The Detroit Pistons are evolving right before everyone’s eyes.
After winning a measly 14 games last season, they’ve already won 17 during their 2024-25 campaign. At 17-18, they’re now ninth in the Eastern Conference, meaning they’re legitimately in playoff contention. Structural changes have made a significant difference. The Pistons decided to reestablish the president position, hiring former New Orleans Pelicans executive Trajan Langdon. Langdon then all but immediately replaced former head coach Monty Williams with J.B. Bickerstaff and hiring shooting coach Fred Vinson.
In terms of their personnel though, the biggest key to their growth has been Cade Cunningham‘s progression, as the 2021 No. 1 pick has been able to carry his team for significant stretches. The return of 2023 No. 5 pick Ausar Thompson has provided the team with a lift as well, particularly defensively. Then there’s the underdiscussed growth of 2022 No. 5 pick Jaden Ivey, who sustained a broken fibula last week. Malik Beasley, who Langdon brought on during the offseason, has been making the impact that was expected of Tobias Harris.
Pistons Angling For Dylan Harper?
The engines are rumbling in the Motor City but the Pistons aren’t done adding to their talent collection just yet. Over the weekend, Detroit agreed to sign 24-year-old forward Ron Harper Jr. to a two-way contract, per HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto. Harper Jr. is the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper and thus the older brother of Rutgers guard Dylan Harper. The youngest of the Harper hoopers is projected to be a top-three pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The Detroit Pistons have agreed to a two-way deal with Ron Harper Jr, league sources told @hoopshypeofficial.bsky.social. Harper Jr. impressed recently at the G League Showcase.
— Michael Scotto (@mikeascotto.bsky.social) January 5, 2025 at 7:54 PM
With the Pistons currently projected to have the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, they’re unlikely to be in position to draft D. Harper. Depending on how the NBA Draft Lottery shakes out though, they might. This is particularly true if they’re willing to move a young prospect like Ivey or 2022 No. 13 pick Jalen Duren to move up in the draft. With that in mind, the 6-foot-6 and 220-pound playmaker bears a lot of similarities to Cunningham. When considering the incessant questions about Cunningham and Ivey’s fit together, they could have interest in adding a player with D. Harper’s skillset.
Draft hypotheticals aside, Detroit signing his brother could simply be coincidental. The Pistons are arguably deepest at their forward positions. Even promising rookie forward Bobi Klintman hasn’t been able to get playing time. Nonetheless, with Detroit recently waiving defensive-minded wing Alondes Williams and stretch-forward Cole Swider, they had two two-way slots open. Put simply, there was a void to fill. Hence the Pistons also signing undrafted rookie Tolu Smith to a two-way contract, per Omari Sanfoka II of the Detroit Free Press.
This season, Harper Jr. has been playing in the G League, averaging 22.8 points per game on 42.5 percent shooting from three. Smith has also been playing in the G League, averaging 15.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game.
