With only five days left in the regular season, Detroit Pistons fans are laser-focused on the playoffs.
For the first time in two decades, the Pistons are entering the postseason with serious ambitions. With the No. 1 seed already locked up, the Pistons are using the final week of the season not only to tinker with the rotation, but also to finalize the roster.
On Tuesday, the Pistons made a surprise move at the back end of the roster. Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press reported that Detroit was signing Tolu Smith to a two-year deal and releasing forward Bobi Klintman.
Pistons Release Bobi Klintman, Sign Tolu Smith on Tuesday
Smith was already on a two-way contract with the Pistons, but therefore wasn't eligible to play in the playoffs. Whenever he was given the opportunity during his two years in Detroit and the NBA G League, however, Smith showed signs of a serviceable backup center. Now, he will be the fourth center on the roster behind Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, and Paul Reed.
The fact that the Pistons would rather have a fourth-string center on the roster rather than Klintman speaks volumes about how the franchise felt about the second-year forward. The 37th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, Klintman was never able to crack the Pistons' rotation, even when they were shorthanded.
Detroit hasn't had much forward depth since last year.
The lack of depth behind Tobias Harris was a big issue since he returned to the Motor City. Despite a chance to earn a role as a depth piece, Klintman wasn't able to establish himself as an NBA player. Considering how willing head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is to give unproven prospects a chance, Klintman's inability to get a chance in Detroit doesn't bode well for his NBA future.
The Swedish forward has intriguing physical tools and a skillset. With a six-foot-nine frame and an ability to shoot, pass, and handle the ball, Klintman was a worthy flyer by the front office two years ago. When he wasn't able to put it together in the G League or the NBA, however, the Pistons probably should have parted ways with the 23-year-old earlier.
Smith is unlikely to be featured much for the Pistons in the postseason, but he will be insurance for Stewart in case he continues to deal with injuries in the playoffs. Bickerstaff presumably trusted him more than Klintman and wanted him on the roster as an emergency backup, instead. Where Klintman's career will take him now remains to be seen.