Detroit Pistons Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Pistons Notes: Bullock, Caldwell-Pope, Drummond

December 1st, 2016 at 6:17pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Swingman Reggie Bullock is still mulling his surgical options after tearing meniscus in his left knee, Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press reports. Bullock will have the knee re-examined this weekend in Detroit before he makes his final decision, Ellis continues. He will either undergo arthroscopic surgery, which would allow him to come back within a month, or undergo more extensive surgery, which could potentially sideline him the rest of the season, Ellis adds. This refutes a report by The Vertical that Bullock had opted for surgery that would keep him out 2-4 months. Bullock, who suffered the injury November 23rd against the Heat, has already received a second opinion. Bullock, who failed to reach a rookie extension with the club prior to the deadline a month ago, said his decision will not be influenced by becoming a restricted free agent (if he receives a qualifying offer) after the season. “My mind-set is pretty much trying to save my career longevity-wise, not really thinking about free agency and all that come this summer,” he told Ellis.

In other Pistons developments:

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has enhanced his value with his recent play, Rod Beard of the Detroit News writes. Coach Stan Van Gundy is running more of his offense through Caldwell-Pope and the shooting guard has responded well. He’s averaging 19.5 points over the last six games and has racked up 21 assists over the last four outings. “It’s all about what he sees and the progress I’m making on offense,” Caldwell-Pope told Beard. Caldwell-Pope and the club also couldn’t agree on a rookie extension this fall, which will make him a restricted free agent in the summer. Some projections have Caldwell-Pope’s value at upwards of $18 million per season, Beard adds, and it’s unclear if the Pistons are willing to go that high.
Andre Drummond was fined $15K but averted a suspension for elbowing Hornets center Roy Hibbert in the back of the head on Tuesday, the league announced via press release. Drummond was assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 and ejected for the incident.
Bullock’s injury status has not helped Stanley Johnson regain his rotation spot. Johnson did not play in the team’s 121-114 win over the Celtics on Wednesday, the second time this season he has been benched by Van Gundy. The 2015 lottery pick also missed a game last week when he served a one-game suspension for violating team rules. Darrun Hilliard, the team’s 2015 second-round pick, is currently serving as Caldwell-Pope’s backup.

Reggie Bullock Expected To Miss 2-4 Months

November 30th, 2016 at 4:15pm CST by Luke Adams

Pistons guard Reggie Bullock will undergo surgery to repair his torn left meniscus, reports Shams Charania of The Vertical (via Twitter). According to Charania, Bullock is expected to be sidelined for two to four months following the procedure.

Bullock’s torn meniscus was first confirmed last Friday by the Pistons, though at the time the team didn’t provide a timeline for the fourth-year veteran’s recovery, suggesting further evaluation was required. As I observed last week, players who suffer a torn meniscus are typically sidelined for at least a few weeks, and occasionally end up missing several months depending on the severity of the tear, as well as how the injury is treated and rehabbed. With Bullock set to go under the knife, it looks like he’ll miss most of the 2016/17 season.

The 25th overall pick in the 2013 draft, Bullock spent time with the Clippers and Suns before arriving in Detroit. Last season, he averaged a career-high 11.6 minutes per game for the team, and while his numbers (3.3 PPG, 1.8 RPG) were modest, he played solid defense. Bullock was extension-eligible this offseason, but didn’t ink a new deal with the Pistons, so he remains on track for restricted free agency in the summer of 2017. The 25-year-old, whose 2016/17 debut was delayed by back and hip problems, has appeared in just four games this season.

In Bullock’s absence, the Pistons have struggled to find a reliable backup for starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Stanley Johnson, Darrun Hilliard, and Michael Gbinije are all in the mix, but no one has stepped up and grabbed hold of the role so far, as we noted on Tuesday.

Pistons Need Jackson At His Best; Search For Backup Shooting Guard Continues

November 29th, 2016 at 11:01pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Pistons will need Reggie Jackson to be at his best when he returns from knee and thumb tendinitis, writes Rod Beard of The Detroit News. Coach/executive Stan Van Gundy is hoping to have his starting point guard back in the lineup in another week or two, just in time to face a challenging schedule. Ten of Detroit’s 16 games through the end of December are against teams with winning records. “Reggie will help our offense be a little better,” Van Gundy said. “We’re the only team in the league that’s played without their leading scorer every single game — that tends to affect your offense a little bit.”

Van Gundy continues to search for a reliable backup to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope at shooting guard, relays Keith Langlois of NBA.com. The original plan was to use second-year player Stanley Johnson, but the coach didn’t like his inconsistent performance. Reggie Bullock got the next shot, but he suffered a torn meniscus and is sidelined indefinitely. Darrun Hilliard took the spot in the Pistons’ last game, and rookie Michael Gbinije is another candidate. “Nobody’s been bad,” Van Gundy said. “Everybody’s sort of been OK, but not great. You’d like to have somebody step up and really grab that spot and say, ‘Hey, give me the minutes.’”

Jackson Cleared For Full Contact

November 28th, 2016 at 5:10pm CST by Eddie Scarito

Pistons guard Reggie Jackson, who hasn’t played since receiving plasma injection therapy to treat tendinitis on his left knee October 10th, has been cleared to participate in full contact drills and practices, Rod Beard of The Detroit News relays. Jackson’s exact return date is still undecided, Beard adds. “I’ve seen him for a couple weeks; he looks fine playing,” coach/executive Stan Van Gundy said regarding the player. “Obviously, stamina is going to be an issue; I don’t think he can play 33 minutes a game right now. Whenever they tell me he’s ready to go and he tells me he’s ready to go in his mind, then he’ll go.”

Eastern Notes: Vucevic, Mirotic, Canaan, Pistons

November 27th, 2016 at 11:03pm CST by Arthur Hill

Magic coach Frank Vogel shook up the starting lineup tonight with D.J. Augustin, Bismack Biyombo and Aaron Gordon replacing Elfrid Payton, Nikola Vucevic and Jeff Green, writes Josh Robbins of The Orlando Sentinel. The change was prompted by a three-game losing streak, but not much improved with an eight-point loss to the Bucks.

Vucevic promised to keep a professional attitude about the move, but he clearly isn’t endorsing it. “I spoke to Frank about it last night, and obviously I wasn’t happy with the decision they made,” the sixth-year center said to Zach Oliver of OPP Magic Blog. “I didn’t think there was a reason for me to go to the bench, but it’s coach’s decision. All I can do is control what I can control, which is when I’m on the court play to the best of my ability and help the team win. Stay professional and whatever is going on, I’ll keep giving my best and give them my full effort.”

There’s more from the Eastern Conference:

Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic hopes to stay in the NBA rather than return to Europe after his contract expires at the end of this season, according to K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune. The former Real Madrid star is wrapping up a three-year, $16.6MM deal. He calls Chicago “a great city” and says he wants to continue to take on the challenges that the NBA presents. “I think [the NBA] is the best place I can grow as a player,” Mirotic said. “I was very comfortable in Madrid. … That was a perfect place to stay and be in a comfort zone, to sign another five years. But that’s not who I am. I like the challenges. … And I came here to prove that I’m ready.”
A season and a half in Philadelphia has helped Bulls guard Isaiah Canaan appreciate the chance to be on a winning team, writes Jessica Camerato of CSNPhilly. Canaan signed with Chicago over the summer after the Sixers declined to submit a qualifying offer. “I say it was a blessing for the opportunity, just to prove I can help a team out and show what I can bring,” Canaan said. “It was a humbling experience for me just to have to go through something like that and learn not to take anything for granted.”
A June meeting at a Tigers game between Pistons owner Tom Gores and the Ilitch family, which owns the Red Wings, led to the Pistons’ move downtown next season, relays Vince Ellis of The Detroit Free Press.

Johnson Off To Slow Start, Suspended

November 26th, 2016 at 1:15pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Heat center Hassan Whiteside‘s winding road to NBA stardom provides hope for other players scrapping to make the league, Pistons coach and president of basketball operations Stan Van Gundy told the media earlier this week. Whiteside played 19 games for the Kings his first two seasons and wound up in the D League, China and Lebanon before resurfacing with the Heat, where he emerged as one of the league’s top centers. Whiteside, who re-signed with the Heat for four years and $98MM over the summer, is averaging 16.9 points and a league-best 15.1 rebounds. “Hassan Whiteside is a great lesson for other players and a great lesson for those of us making personnel decisions in the league, especially with big guys,” Van Gundy said. “Sometimes it doesn’t happen overnight. Hassan Whiteside right now is playing as well as any big man in the league. His numbers are mindboggling.”
Pistons forward Stanley Johnson served a one-game suspension for violating team rules on Friday, just the latest setback for the 2015 lottery pick. Johnson was benched for a game during Detroit’s four-game homestand this week, though he’ll likely rejoin the rotation with Reggie Bullock sidelined indefinitely by a knee injury. Johnson is averaging 4.4 points on 40.7% shooting. “He’s off to a rough start,” Van Gundy said. “He’s hasn’t shot the ball well at all. He’s still competing hard defensively but he’s really struggling to get the ball in the basket. It’s hard when perimeter players aren’t getting the ball in the basket, no matter what else you’re doing.”

NBA D-League Assignments/Recalls: 11/25/16

November 25th, 2016 at 1:06pm CST by Luke Adams

After a quiet Thanksgiving, NBA teams are once again assigning players to their D-League affiliates, or recalling them to their 15-man squads. Here are Friday’s D-League assignments and recalls:

The Pistons have recalled rookies Henry Ellenson and Michael Gbinije from the D-League, the team announced today in a press release. The duo combined for 21 points and 24 rebounds for the Grand Rapids Drive on Wednesday night.
The Pacers have sent Rakeem Christmas back to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the team announced today (via Twitter). Christmas, who ran into foul trouble during his last D-League contest, figures to suit up for the Mad Ants tonight against the Long Island Nets.
Rookie guard Wade Baldwin has been recalled from the Iowa Energy by the Grizzlies, the team announced today in a press release. The 17th overall pick has appeared in nine games for the Grizzlies, but got an opportunity to play more minutes and a bigger role in the D-League, averaging 18.5 PPG in his two games with Iowa.
The Hornets have assigned Aaron Harrison to the D-League, according to a press release issued by the team. Charlotte’s affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm, will play back-to-back games against Erie on Friday and Saturday, giving Harrison a chance to earn some playing time.

Pistons’ Reggie Bullock Suffers Torn Meniscus

November 25th, 2016 at 10:30am CST by Luke Adams

After hip and back issues delayed his season debut, Pistons guard Reggie Bullock appeared in just four games this season before being sidelined with another injury. The Pistons announced today in a press release that Bullock suffered a left knee meniscus tear during the second quarter of Wednesday’s game against the Heat.

According to the announcement from the team, Bullock will be further evaluated by team doctors and other medical experts to determine the next course of action, and there’s no timetable yet for his potential return to the court. Bullock’s recovery timeline will be affected by whether or not he undergoes a procedure to remove or repair the meniscus. Typically, players who suffer a torn meniscus are sidelined for at least a few weeks, and occasionally end up missing several months depending on the severity of the tear, as well as how the injury is treated and rehabbed.

The 25th overall pick in the 2013 draft, Bullock spent time with the Clippers and Suns before arriving in Detroit. Last season, he averaged a career-high 11.6 minutes per game for the team, and while his numbers (3.3 PPG, 1.8 RPG) were modest, he played solid defense. Bullock was extension-eligible this offseason, but didn’t ink a new deal with the Pistons, so he remains on track for restricted free agency in the summer of 2017.

Reggie Jackson is on track to return to the Pistons’ lineup in early December, but until then, the team will be somewhat shorthanded in the backcourt with both Jackson and Bullock out of action. Ish Smith and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will continue to play significant roles for Detroit in the interim, with Stanley Johnson, Beno Udrih and Darrun Hilliard among the bench players who could see a little extra playing time.

Rookies Could Be Called On

November 24th, 2016 at 11:32am CST by ChrisCrouse

Reggie Bullock is dealing with a leg injury and his absence from the lineup could mean that the Pistons’ will have to call upon their rookies, Aaron McMann of Mlive.com writes. Henry Ellenson and Michael Gbinije both were sent to the D-League on Wednesday, but their latest stint could be cut short, as the team may need the players to suit up against the Clippers on Friday.

Pistons Notes: Jackson, Leuer, Trades, Palace

November 23rd, 2016 at 8:55pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Pistons could have point guard Reggie Jackson back on the floor by early December, reports Aaron McMann of MLive. Jackson hasn’t played since receiving plasma injection therapy to treat tendinitis on his left knee October 10th. Coach/executive Stan Van Gundy said Jackson could be cleared for five-on-five drills by Monday and may return after the Pistons wrap up a four-game road trip on December 2nd. “He is starting to do some stuff,” Van Gundy said. “He still hasn’t done any five-on-five. He did some three-on-three live today — a little bit of it full court. He looks good at the stuff that he’s doing, but he’s got to get more comfortable. Got to get his conditioning back.”

There’s more tonight out of Detroit:

Free agent addition Jon Leuer appears to be the stretch four that the Pistons have been wanting off the bench, writes Rod Beard of The Detroit News. Detroit gave Leuer a four-year, $41MM deal to lure him from the Suns and created an opening by not re-signing Anthony Tolliver. Leuer has taken advantage of the opportunity, averaging 10.3 points and 6.9 rebounds through 15 games, all off the bench. “You get that stretch [forward] label and people think you’re just a spot-up shooter,” Leuer said. “There’s a lot more to my game than that.”
The Pistons will be less likely to make a major deal at this year’s deadline than they have been the past two seasons, according to Keith Langlois of NBA.com. Detroit picked up Tobias Harris in February and Jackson at the 2015 deadline, but Langlois says the team has at least one and possibly two players it likes at every position, lessening the possibility of a shakeup.
There are no set plans for the Palace of Auburn Hills once the Pistons move to downtown Detroit next season, McMann writes in a separate story. The building could be endangered as it would have trouble turning a profit without revenue from the Pistons and it is in an area considered desirable for technology and research development companies. “We have a lot of different plans and possibilities,” said team owner Tom Gores. “We’ve even discussed it, [Red Wings owner] Chris [Ilitch] and I. We don’t have any definitive plans.”