The Detroit Pistons kicked off their training camp with one open roster spot. With three two-way spots all filled and three players on training camp deals, the Pistons have 20 players in the building as they prepare for their first preseason game vs. the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. The Pistons were likely holding onto that 15th guaranteed contract spot for Malik Beasley, but those negotiations don't seem to be going anywhere.
Inf act, Beasley's return to Detroit seems less and less likely with each passing day.
That's why general manager Trajan Langdon should seriously consider pivoting and looking at other options. It behooves the Pistons to sign a player to that final spot with a different skill set than the available options on the roster.
Enter Bol Bol. The 25-year-old versatile big man remains unsigned in free agency and would be a worthy flier for a team trying to find value on the margins.
Pistons Should Take a Chance on Bol Bol for Final Roster Spot
So far in his six-year NBA career, Bol hasn't been able to fulfill expectations.
His potential has largely remained on paper and only translated on the court in short spurts. His intriguing size, length, and ball skills have caught the eyes of multiple teams, with the Denver Nuggets, Orlando Magic, and Phoenix Suns all giving him opportunities. His time in Orlando was his most productive stint, playing over 20 minutes per game in 70 appearances (including 33 starts) and averaging 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. His combination of rim protection on one end and a shot creator on the other end made him a fascinating rotation player.
That level of production didn't last very long, as his time in Phoenix over the last two seasons was largely a disappointment. Yet, he was still able to hit 37.2% of his threes there, making him a threat and a viable floor-spacer.
His shooting touch as a big man is exactly why the Pistons should take a chance on him. Detroit currently doesn't have a stretch big option, even though Isaiah Stewart has dabbled in taking more threes in the past. Bol would offer the Pistons a different look on offense, and considering how Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland's shots are still works in progress, the team needs as much shooting as possible around their core.
Obviously, there is a reason Bol is still available. He has worn out his welcome in various stops because of his inconsistent effort and low intensity. Yet, on a deep bench option and as the 15th player on the roster, the Pistons could do much worse than Bol.