Detroit Pistons Blog – Page 37 – NBA Blog

Nets trade Steve Blake to Pistons

In return, Pistons send Quincy Miller to Nets

The Detroit Pistons have acquired guard Steve Blake from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for forward Quincy Miller.

Blake, 35, has appeared in 812 career games (345 starts) in 12 seasons with Washington, Portland, Milwaukee, Denver, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State and holds career averages of 6.7 points and 4.0 assists in 24.4 minutes per game. He was originally selected with the 38th pick of the 2003 NBA Draft by Washington Wizards and was acquired by Brooklyn from the Portland Trail Blazers on June 25.

Miller, 22, appeared in 10 games with Sacramento and Detroit last season and averaged 2.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 12.0 minutes per game. The 6-foot-9, 210-pound forward signed the first of two 10-day contracts on February 21 and was signed for the remainder of the season on March 13. Miller recorded season highs in points (13), rebounds (6), blocks (2) and minutes (34) at Golden State (1/23) and tied a career-high three assists vs. Charlotte (4/12). In three games with the Grand Rapids Drive, the Pistons’ NBA D-League affiliate, he averaged 16.3 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists.

Pistons sign Aron Baynes

The Detroit Pistons have signed center Aron Baynes to a multi-year contract.

Baynes will likely be used as a backup, playing limited minutes behind young talented starting center Andre Drummond.

Baynes, appeared in 70 games (17 starts) with San Antonio last season averaging career highs in points (6.6 ppg), rebounds (4.5 rpg) and minutes (16.0 mpg). He recorded more points, rebounds, assists and blocks last season than in his previous two NBA seasons combined. Baynes recorded his first career double-double with 12 points and a career-high 12 rebounds at Houston (11/6). He also recorded back-to-back double-figure scoring games for the first time in his career with 12 points in 21 minutes vs. Minnesota (11/21) and 10 points in 21 minutes vs. Brooklyn (11/22). Baynes appeared in 22 career playoff games with the Spurs, averaging 2.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 7.5 minutes per game.

The 6-10, 255-pound center has tallied career NBA averages of 4.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 12.6 minutes in 139 games – all with San Antonio. Baynes began his professional career in 2009-10 playing for Lietuvos Rytas of the Lithuanian Basketball League, a squad that went on to win the Lithuanian National Championship. He went on to play in Germany for EWE Baskets Oldenburg in 2010-11 before joining Ikaros Kallitheas in Greece the following season. Baynes has been a member of the Australian National Team, most recently competing at the 2014 FIBA World Championship in Turkey where he averaged 16.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 27.0 minutes in five games. Representing Australia in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, he averaged 7.5 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 66% (21-32 FG) from the field.

The 28-year old New Zealand native was undrafted out of Washington State. He appeared in 122 games (86 starts), averaging 8.7 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 54.6% from the field and led WSU to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in 2008. Baynes ranks eighth on Cougars’ all-time field goal percentage list and became the first player in school history to shoot 100% from the field in a game with at least 10 field goal attempts (10-10 FG and a career-high 25 points vs. USC).

Suns trade Marcus Morris, Danny Granger and Reggie Bullock to Pistons

The Detroit Pistons announced today that the team has acquired forward Marcus Morris, guard Reggie Bullock and forward-guard Danny Granger from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for a 2020 second round draft selection.

Morris, 25, appeared in 81 games (35 starts) with Phoenix last season averaging career highs in points (10.4 ppg), rebounds (4.8 rpg), assists (1.6 apg) and minutes (25.2 mpg). He scored in double-figures 39 times, including five games with 20-plus points and one 30-plus point game. Morris recorded a career-high 34 points (11-17 FG, 5-7 3FG, 7-8 FT) and 12 rebounds vs. Utah (2/6), his first career 30-point game and his first career double-double. He became the first Suns player to record at least 30 points and 10 rebounds off the bench since Danny Manning during the 1997-98 season. Morris finished the season with five double-doubles and led the Suns in scoring six times, rebounds nine times, assists twice, steals 12 times and blocks seven times. He also tied a career-long streak with seven straight games scoring in double-figures from March 21-April 2. Morris grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds (12 defensive) vs. New Orleans (3/19). He also set a career-high and tied a Suns season-high with six made three-pointers at Sacramento (12/26). The four-year NBA pro was selected 14th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. He owns career averages of 8.9 points and 3.9 rebounds in 257 games (59 starts), including 9.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 186 games (45 starts) with Phoenix.

Bullock, 24, completed his second NBA season with averages of 1.9 points, 1.4 rebounds and 9.4 minutes in 36 games (two starts) with Phoenix and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Suns acquired Bullock on January 15 in a midseason three-team trade. Bullock recorded two double-figure scoring games last season, both while with the Clippers, including a season-high 12 points vs. Utah (11/3). Drafted by the Clippers with the 25th overall selection in the first round of the 2013 NBA Draft, Bullock owns career averages of 2.3 points, 1.3 rebounds and 9.3 minutes in 79 games.

Granger, 32, appeared in 30 games (six starts) with the Miami HEAT last season before being acquired by the Suns, averaging 6.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 20.4 minutes per game. He did not see playing time with the Suns as he was working with the training staff to improve his health. The 10-year NBA veteran who has appeared in 586 regular season games (431 starts) with the Indiana Pacers (2005-14), Los Angeles Clippers (2013-14) and Miami HEAT (2014-15), owns averages of 16.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steals and 31.5 minutes per game.

Pistons physical therapist Arnie Kander to resign

The Detroit Pistons announced today that Arnie Kander has informed the organization of his intent to resign as physical therapist effective June 30. Kander has served as a member of the Pistons’ training staff since 1992 when he was named the club’s first strength and conditioning coach.

“Arnie is an innovator who helped define the art of physical training for athletes in our league,” said Tom Gores, Principal Owner of Palace Sports & Entertainment, the Detroit Pistons and Chairman and CEO of Platinum Equity. “He’s been a great Piston for more than two decades, and on a personal level he’s been a friend who helped our transition into ownership. We wish him nothing but the best in the future.”

“Arnie Kander has been a valued member of the Detroit Pistons for many years – contributing to the development of numerous players while also overseeing injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation,” said Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach Stan Van Gundy. “We appreciate the commitment he has made to the organization over 23 years and his efforts throughout the last year during our transition. We certainly wish Arnie the best in his future endeavors.”

A 1987 graduate in physical therapy from Wayne State University, Kander began his career as the sports coordinator at Crittenton Fitness Institute. He then moved on to Rochester Knee and Sports Therapy where he worked as a staff therapist. Kander began his association with the Pistons while working at Rochester Knee and Sports.

“The Detroit Pistons have been a huge part of my extended family and I’ll forever cherish the relationships and friendships that have been built both inside and outside the organization over the years,” said Kander. “I’m also grateful to both Mr. Davidson and Mr. Gores for the opportunity and support they provided during my 23 years with the team. It’s been an incredible run filled with many great memories along the way. I look forward to spending time with my family and the next chapter life brings.”

Kander’s interest in strength and conditioning began during his career as a professional dancer with the Virginia Ballet Company from 1983-86. While working with the Pistons, Kander designed recovery and workout programs for all players and worked with many of the area’s finest amateur athletes.

The Detroit Pistons’ training staff is headed by Director of Sports Medicine/Head Athletic Trainer Jon Ishop with assistance from strength and conditioning coach Anthony Harvey and assistant strength and conditioning coach Jordan Sabourin.

Pistons draft workouts continue

Here’s the Detroit Free Press reporting on some Pistons draft workouts:

J.P. Tokoto and Rakeem Christmas have a few things in common.

Both are considered second-round prospects for the upcoming NBA draft that could sneak into the bottom of the first round. Both performed well in 5-on-5 during last month’s NBA draft combine in Chicago.

And both were at the Detroit Pistons’ practice facility this morning for a pre-draft workout.

They were joined by Virginia power forward Darion Atkins, UNC-Charlotte point guard Pierria Henry, William & Mary point guard Marcus Thornton and Georgetown small forward Greg Whittington.

Cartier Martin elects to stay with Pistons

Cartier Martin elects to stay with Pistons

Here’s the Detroit News reporting on a member of the Pistons bench who has a limited role on the team. Cartier Martin last season averaged 1.6 points in 8.6 minute per game, and shot just 28% from the field:

Pistons forward Cartier Martin swallowed his pride and took the money.

He complained about his playing time with the Pistons last season but that did not stop him from exercising a player option which will pay him the veteran’s minimum of $1.27 million next season.

Martin, 30, signed a two-year deal with the Pistons last August. He made $1,145,000 last season and was used sparingly.

He appeared in just 23 games, his fewest since the 2011-2012 season with the Washington Wizards. Martin averaged a career low 1.6 points per game.

Greg Monroe set to return for Pistons

Greg Monroe set to return for Pistons

Here’s Michigan Live reporting on the 30-47 Detroit Pistons, who have gotten 16 ppg, 10.4 rpg and 2.0 apg from Greg Monroe this season:

For the last five games this season, the Detroit Pistons will get one more look at playing Andre Drummond, Greg Monroe and Reggie Jackson together.

With Monroe on his way back into the lineup, and perhaps on his way out as a Piston via unrestricted free agency this summer, it’s an alignment head coach Stan Van Gundy said he wants to see more before some very important business decisions.

“Reggie will have to adjust, and I’ll have to adjust, and we’ll have to figure it out,” Van Gundy said. “We’ve seen Reggie play real, real, well; we’ve seen Greg play real, real well. So we’ve just got to make it all fit together.”

Monroe is expected to return after missing 11 games with a right knee strain when the Pistons host the Boston Celtics at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Pistons happy with Grand Rapids Drive relationship

Pistons happy with Grand Rapids Drive relationship

Here’s Michigan Live reporting on the relationship between the Detroit Pistons and their D-League squad:

The Grand Rapids Drive won’t have a winning season on the court, but management of parent company Detroit Pistons are pleased with the first-year relationship with the NBA Development League team.

“This first year our primary goal was creating a structure that matches our structure,” said Dennis Mannion, president & CEO of Palace Sports and Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons. “…We’re getting better at it. We have a monthly call in to go over things and with what Steve (Ybarra, the lead owner of the Drive) has learned it will help him so much in support and planning for next year.”

The Drive, after a promising start to the season, began to sag in January and, at 22-26 heading into Friday’s home finale against Erie, won’t make the playoffs. The season ends Saturday at Delaware.

Greg Monroe out tonight with knee strain

Greg Monroe out tonight with knee strain

The Detroit Pistons announced this morning that forward/center Greg Monroe will miss tonight’s game vs. Memphis with a right knee strain. The injury occurred during Monday’s practice and was confirmed following an MRI exam.

Monroe will be re-evaluated on Wednesday to determine his status for Detroit’s game at Philadelphia.

Joel Freeland, Shawne Williams suspended for headbutting each other

Joel Freeland, Shawne Williams suspended for headbutting each other

Portland Trail Blazers center Joel Freeland and Detroit Pistons forward Shawne Williams have been suspended one game without pay for headbutting each other. The penalties were announced today by Rod Thorn, President, Basketball Operations.

The incident occurred with 1:15 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Trail Blazers’ 118-99 win over the Pistons on Friday, March. 13, at Moda Center.

Williams will serve his suspension tonight when the Pistons travel to Utah to play the Jazz. Freeland will serve his suspension on Sunday, March 15, when the Trail Blazers travel to Toronto to play the Raptors.

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