MASON PLUMLEE

Terry Rozier scored 31 points and the Charlotte Hornets beat San Antonio 123-117 on Saturday night, leaving Spurs coach Gregg Popovich a victory short of tying the NBA record. San Antonio has lost four straight since beating Washington on Feb. 25 to move Popovich within one of Don Nelson’s record of 1,335 regular-season victories. LaMelo Ball added 24 points for Charlotte, P.J. Washington and Montrezl Harrell each had 15 and Mason Plumlee had 13 rebounds.

Kelly Olynyk made a fadeaway jumper from the baseline at the overtime buzzer and the Detroit Pistons beat Charlotte 127-126, their first victory over the Hornets in nearly 4 1/2 years.

Kelly Olynyk made a fadeaway jumper from the baseline at the overtime buzzer and the Detroit Pistons beat Charlotte 127-126 on Sunday night, their first victory over the Hornets in nearly 4 1/2 years. Olynyk had 20 points and eight rebounds for the Pistons, who have won three of four. Cunningham drove but was fouled, giving the Pistons the ball on the side with 2.1 seconds left. Olynyk said the Pistons had an inbounds play drawn up — one they have practiced frequently — but wound up having to improvise. With about five minutes left, the Pistons intentionally fouled Plumlee and he missed two free throws badly, allowing Detroit to steal an extra possession.

Miles Bridges had 26 points, Ish Smith provided a huge boost off the bench with 22 points on 10-of-12 shooting and the Charlotte Hornets held off the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers 117-114 on Friday night.

Devin Booker scored 24 points, Jalen Smith tied a career high with 19 points and 12 rebounds and the short-handed Phoenix Suns hammered the Charlotte Hornets 133-99.

Four Charlotte Hornets players, including last year’s Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball, have been placed in the NBA’s health and safety protocols on Saturday, an indicator they have tested positive of the coronavirus.

The Hornets believe coach James Borrego can turn things around in Charlotte.

Not long into 2021 NBA free agency and the Detroit Pistons have added a big man to the team. The Pistons signed a veteran center Kelly Olynyk to a three-year, $37 million deal, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Toronto native joins the Pistons shortly after the team dealt center Mason Plumlee to the Charlotte Hornets and waived three players over the weekend. At the trade deadline, Miami dealt him to the Houston Rockets, where his role expanded. The 30-year-old joins the Pistons young core of Killian Hayes, Isaiah Stewart, Saddiq Bey and Saben Lee as well as this year’s draft pick Cade Cunningham.

The Detroit Pistons have added another big man to the roster after drafting Florida State’s Balsa Koprivica. The Pistons acquired the seven-footer as part of the deal that sent veteran Mason Plumlee to the Charlotte Hornets. Koprivica could be a draft-and-stash player since the Pistons have limited rosters spots, as well as cap space in the coming season. More:Pistons select center Luka Garza, national player of year, at No. 52NBA Draft 2021: Detroit Pistons select Michigan’s Isaiah Livers in second roundPistons’ Troy Weaver confident Cade Cunningham can handle ‘what’s coming his way’

The Detroit Pistons have kicked off their 2021 NBA Draft night, not with a draft pick, but with a trade. The team reportedly dealt veteran center Mason Plumlee to the Charlotte Hornets. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Pistons also sent their pick at No. Up until the latter half of the season, Plumlee was ahead of Stewart in the depth chart. Plumlee averaged 10.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 26.8 minutes of play.

The Pistons are trading center Mason Plumlee and the No. 37 pick to Charlotte for the No. 57 pick, ESPN reports.

Jerami Grant and Mason Plumlee each returned from abscenses for Detroit Pistons, but the Pistons couldn't overcome a cold start on the road, losing 118-104.

LaMelo Ball returned from a 21-game absence with 11 points, leading the Charlotte Hornets to a 107-94 victory over the Detroit Pistons.

Detroit Pistons (19-43) vs. Dallas Mavericks (34-27): 7 p.m.; Little Caesars Arena; Bally Sports Detroit Extra; WOMC-FM (104.3).

DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic had 30 points and 10 rebounds, Kristaps Porzingis added 19 points and seven boards and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Detroit Pistons 127-117 on Wednesday night to stop a four-game home losing streak. The Pistons’ deficit was 16 points by the time Grant finally got back in the flow of the game early in the fourth quarter. The Mavericks had lost five of seven since a season-best five-game winning streak, including a pair of losses to teams with losing records. UP NEXTPistons: The second night of a back-to-back is in San Antonio on Thursday, the middle game of a three-game road trip. Mavericks: The first of consecutive home games against the Lakers is also the second night of a back-to-back Thursday.

Isaiah Stewart added 16 points and 13 rebounds in place of injured Mason Plumlee for the Pistons. Okafor, who had missed 27 games following left knee surgery, scored 11 points. De’Aaron Fox had 23 points, seven assists and nine rebounds for the Kings. Joseph shot 10 of 14 and scored six of Detroit’s final eight points after the Kings had pulled to 105-94. The Pistons were without starters Plumlee (concussion evaluation) and Jerami Grant (sore right knee) but did get Okafor back.

Nikola Jokic scored 27 points in leading the Denver Nuggets past the Detroit Pistons 134-119 Tuesday night.

DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic scored 27 points in 27 minutes and the Denver Nuggets spoiled the return of Jerami Grant and Mason Plumlee with a 134-119 shellacking of the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night. Jokic also dished out 11 assists, his 83rd career double-digit assist game, two more than Wilt Chamberlain had in his Hall of Fame career. The Nuggets got 25 points from Michael Porter Jr. and 24 from Will Barton. Nuggets: Denver shot a blistering 67.3% in the first half. Nuggets: Host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night in the first of a two-game set at Ball Arena that concludes Friday night.

Josh Jackson scored 19 of his season-high 31 points in the first half and the Detroit Pistons went on to rout the Washington Wizards 120-91.

The Detroit Pistons opened their Wednesday night matchup hot from three but the Portland Trail Blazers eventually got hotter. With 53.5 percent shooting from long range, the Trail Blazers beat the Pistons 124-101. Hamidou it again: In his third outing in a Pistons uniform, Hamidou Diallo provided the team with another spark off the bench. He also provided some much-needed stops as the Trail Blazers started to get rolling. Sixteen seconds into the game, Trail Blazers forward Norman Powell went up to unleash a three and Grant was right there.

On Wednesday night, the Pistons fell to the Portland Trail Blazers 124-101 at Little Caesars Arena. The Pistons cooled, though, as the Trail Blazers (29-18) settled into a rhythm. The Trail Blazers, who average 16.2 3-pointers per game, ended up making 16 of their 30 shot attempts from distance. Six different Trail Blazers made shots from three, with Lillard, Robert Covington and C.J. The Trail Blazers took advantage, making 24 of them.

The countdown to the NBA trade deadline continues and the current Detroit Pistons played one final game together. The Pistons fell to the Indiana Pacers 116-111 on Wednesday night in a game that tested the team’s ability to close out games under pressure. Detroit came within striking distance several times , but Indiana’s Caris LeVert pushed his team back on top. The Pistons had nine turnovers in the first half, resulting in 15 points for the Pacers. Detroit also outrebounded the Pacers 41-37, but Casey thought his team needed more grit and grime especially against T.J. McConnell.

NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)DETROIT – Saddiq Bey had 28 points and 12 rebounds, and the Detroit Pistons overcame Norman Powell’s 43 points to beat the Toronto Raptors 116-112 on Wednesday night, ending a four-game skid. Bey, who leads all rookies in 3-pointers with 85, was 6 of 10 from behind the arc for Detroit, which had lost 10 of 12. “That young man is already a solid pro and he's just getting started,” Pistons coach Dwane Casey said. TIP-INSRaptors: Toronto hadn't lost six straight games since Dec. 3-12, 2012, Casey's second year coaching the Raptors.

NEW YORK – James Harden scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter and had his ninth triple-double with the Nets to help Brooklyn beat the Detroit Pistons 100-95 on Saturday night. Harden also added 10 rebounds and 10 assists in his 55th triple-double as Brooklyn improved to 26-13 with its 12th win in its last 16 games. Whereas the Nets rolling, the Pistons are stuck in neutral. “It's a good thing that we're staying close in these games,” Wright said. “We have a chance to to extend the lead,” Wright said.

NEW YORK (AP) — James Harden scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter and had his ninth triple-double with the Nets to help Brooklyn beat the Detroit Pistons 100-95 on Saturday night. Thirteen games later, the Nets have jelled into a legitimate championship contender while Detroit has myraid weaknesses, such as 3-point shooting. Bey made one of two free throws to cut Brooklyn’s lead to 96-93 but Harden’s floater extended the advantage to five. After Detroit sliced the deficit to 98-95 on Plumlee’s layup, Harden knocked down two free throws to put away the game. Nets: Host the Knicks on Monday in the second of matchups between the two New York City-based franchises.

A pair of first-year Detroit Pistons, forward Jerami Grant and center Mason Plumlee, are among 57 finalists for the U.S. Olympic team, USA Basketball announced on Thursday. Grant, who turns 27 on Friday, is having by far his best season, averaging 23.4 points and 5.3 rebounds. Plumlee, 31, is having a solid all-around season, averaging 10.4 points, 3.8 assists and a career-high 9.1 rebounds. Former Pistons Andre Drummond (Cleveland), Blake Griffin (Brooklyn), Tobias Harris (Philadelphia) and Christian Wood (Houston) also made the list of candidates. “With the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics from 2020 to 2021, it’s important that we continue to remain flexible and consider all players who can contribute to our efforts to field the best USA team possible.

USA Basketball is a step closer to choosing the team that will play in this summer’s rescheduled Tokyo Olympics, releasing the names Thursday of 57 players who are part of the pool to fill the squad. It’s also already drawing major interest from some NBA stars who have yet to taste Olympic gold. USA Basketball will pare the list to a 12-person Olympic team by early summer. Jordan, who now plays for Brooklyn, is also a newcomer to the pool even though he was on the 2016 Olympic team. “But for USA Basketball to receive the commitment of so many outstanding players remains an indicator of the great honor of representing your country means to these men.”

With a little more than two weeks left until the March 25 trade deadline, the team may have a different approach moving forward. Pistons general manager Troy Weaver said Tuesday he was comfortable with where the Pistons are in the restoration process. “Coach Casey did a tremendous job fitting these guys in and getting them to play at a high level. The Pistons have plenty of decisions to make as the trade deadline approaches, and as the remainder of the season unfolds. Coach Casey, his staff and players have done an incredible job of coming in every day, setting the tone, trying to move the ball forward every day.”

The Detroit Pistons reached the halfway point of the season on pace for a worse record than in 2019-20 but with a brighter outlook. Here are five questions/things to watch for in the second half of the season, which begins Thursday in Charlotte:Will they trade Jerami Grant? Sekou Doumbouya is still young (20), but the Pistons probably expected more progress from the 2019 15th overall pick in his second season. With Griffin gone, Doumbouya should get more minutes in the second half and a chance to better assert himself. Svi Mykhailiuk has taken a step back in his third season, averaging 33.5 percent from 3-point distance after shooting 40.4 percent in 2019-20.

With the second half of the season set to begin Thursday in Charlotte, here are the Pistons’ grades from the first half:Saddiq Bey: B+The No. He has become one of the Pistons’ most consistent shooters from long range, averaging 39.3 percent from three. He’s made the Pistons’ decision that much harder at point guard with such strong play and natural ability to lead. He’s also shown that he’s not afraid to take risks, as he has tried to dunk over NBA big men on three different occasions. Coach Dwane Casey and Staff: BCasey, in his third season with the Pistons, and his staff have been tasked with molding the foundation in the franchise’s rebuild.

NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)TAMPA, Fla. – Wayne Ellington scored 25 points and the Detroit Pistons beat the virus-depleted Toronto Raptors 129-105 on Wednesday night to snap a three-game losing streak. The Raptors played without Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby, three of their top four scorers, and reserves Malachi Flynn and Patrick McCaw because of the NBA's health and safety protocols. Toronto's scheduled Sunday night game against Chicago Bulls also was postponed. Raptors: F Yuta Watanabe got his first NBA start, but did not score.

After rebounding and splitting two games in Orlando, the Detroit Pistons felt the effects of playing a back-to-back game. Detroit ended its eight-day road trip with a 128-118 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, despite leading for much of the game. The Pistons played three games in four nights and led the Pelicans for solid portion of Wednesday’s game before the trip’s effects showed. For coach Dwane Casey, these back-to-back games and suffering through the losses are all about building calluses for the future. Pistons start hot: Detroit got into an early rhythm thanks to strong play from Saben Lee and Dennis Smith Jr.

The Detroit Pistons now have a two-game win streak after beating the New Orleans Pelicans 123-112 on Sunday night. For the second night in a row, rookie Saddiq Bey made four or more 3-pointers. “That’s the NBA today.”Pistons defense slows the Pelicans: The Pelicans dropped 40 points on the Pistons in the first quarter. The Pistons held the Pelicans to 9 of 25 shooting in the second quarter, 10 of 22 in the third and 6 of 25 in the fourth. After the Pelicans scorched them from three in the first, New Orleans shot 0 of 8 from three in the second quarter.

DETROIT -- The Detroit Pistons have won back-to-back games for the first time this season, following Sunday’s 123-112 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at Little Caesars Arena. Plumlee recorded his first career triple-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Zion Williamson, the top pick in the 2019 draft, scored 26 points and grabbed eight rebounds in his first career game against the Pistons. The Pelicans outscored the home team 40-30 to end the first, but the second quarter would unfold very differently. The Pistons ended up outscoring the Pelicans 34-22 in the second quarter to take the lead.

The Detroit Pistons will be further depleted tonight when they visit the Boston Celtics (8 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit) as Sekou Doumbouya will sit out due to a concussion, according to the NBA’s official injury report. Rookie Isaiah Stewart is expected to get his second start. Griffin can move from power forward to center when Stewart is resting, but the Pistons have limited options after that. Doumbouya has struggled in his second season. He had six points and six rebounds in 16 minutes Thursday in a 111-95 loss to Indiana.

The Detroit Pistons retooling is well underway, but as with any season, injuries can derail the best of plans. The Pistons were shorthanded as they faced the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night, making a tough task tougher. As a result, the Pistons turned to rookie Isaiah Stewart to fill the void, and he rose to the challenge with his intensity in Detroit’s 111-95 loss at Little Caesars Arena. When Stewart rested, the Pistons had to get creative, so they turned to Blake Griffin and Sekou Doumbouya. So with Plumlee out, Stewart made his first career start.

Playing without centers Mason Plumlee and Jahlil Okafor Thursday, the Detroit Pistons’ depth was depleted, and so was their margin of error. The game was tied 52-52 at the half, before a third-quarter lull cost the Pistons, as the Pacers outscored them 30-18 to take control. The Pistons made just five of their 28 3-point attempts, while the Pacers shot 45.2 percent (14-of-31) from three. The Pistons did have some big help from Josh Jackson, who ended the night with 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists. With the absence of Plumlee, the Pistons may turn to the second-year forward and Griffin at center for more minutes.

The Detroit Pistons are one-third of the way through this 72-game season and are 6-18 after downing the Brooklyn Nets 122-111 Tuesday. It was a much-needed victory by the Pistons, who returned to Little Caesars Arena from a 10-day road trip on which they went 0-4. Saturday’s double-overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers reminded the Pistons that when they bring intensity, they can play with anyone. Jerami Grant led the way by scoring a career-high 32 points for the second game in a row and third time this season. On Tuesday, Jackson led the Pistons’ second unit and Casey was impressed with how he has taken up that role.

The Detroit Pistons overcame a sluggish second-half start against the Brooklyn Nets to come away with their sixth win of the season. Much of the Pistons’ success came from a strong opening quarter, where they put up a season-high 38 points in the first quarter. The Pistons were also strong defensively limiting both Kyrie Irving and James Harden to seven and eight points respectively. The Nets made a big push in the second quarter, outscoring the Pistons 28-25 as the Pistons seemingly trailed off. He scored 15 points, had three rebounds and like Jackson helped the Pistons limit the Nets to 50 percent shooting overall.

Here are some takeaways from the game:Plumlee’s first-half heroics keep Detroit in the game: The Pistons started off slowly, just like they had on Saturday against the Golden State Warriors. For much of the first half though, center Mason Plumlee did what he could to help keep them in the game. Much of the damage came in the third and the fourth quarters, though, as the Pistons bench pressured the Jazz. The Pistons limited the Jazz to 39 percent overall and 30 percent from long range in the second half. Griffin ended the night with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal.

Donovan Mitchell scored 32 points to lead the Utah Jazz to a 117-105 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night. Jerami Grant scored 27 points to lead Detroit and Josh Jackson added 22. The Pistons trailed by as many as 28 points in the first half before rallying late in the fourth quarter. The Jazz then scored on seven straight possessions to extend their lead to 69-41 later in the quarter. … The Pistons outscored the Jazz 20-8 in second-chance points and 22-10 in Fastbreak points.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Donovan Mitchell scored 32 points to lead the Utah Jazz to a 117-105 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night. Jerami Grant scored 27 points to lead Detroit and Josh Jackson added 22. Utah shot 54% from the field in the same stretch. The Jazz then scored on seven straight possessions to extend their lead to 69-41 later in the quarter. … The Pistons outscored the Jazz 20-8 in second-chance points and 22-10 in Fastbreak points.

Unlike the first night of their back-to-back, the Pistons (5-15) took care of the ball, which coach Dwane Casey said made the difference. “Tonight, he came back and had a very solid, all-around defensive game, rebounding game, scoring game, finishing at the rim,” Casey said. “He brings it every night,” Casey said. James made just one of his five shot attempts in the third, and was scoreless in the fourth, finishing with 22 points. “Energy, I thought just our energy level was high coming off of a flat game last name in Cleveland.”

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks to shoot as Detroit Pistons center Mason Plumlee (24) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)DETROIT – LeBron James made his first seven shots from the field and looked plenty capable of leading the Lakers to a victory with Anthony Davis sidelined. James scored just two points after halftime, and the Detroit Pistons handed Los Angeles its second straight loss, 107-92 on Thursday night. "We just didn’t have a great rhythm that second half in any way.”Wayne Ellington added 20 points for the Pistons. Pistons: Detroit made all 13 of its free throws.

After an explosive game against the Miami Heat on Saturday, the Detroit Pistons fell to 3-10 after a 113-107 loss on Monday. Second unit quiet after Saturday’s big win: After the Pistons bench put up 55 points against the Heat on Saturday night, they were a little quieter on Monday. Detroit’s starters built a healthy 19-point lead in the first seven minutes of the first quarter, but the team’s second unit had a tough time capitalizing on it. With the Heat outscoring the Pistons 33-19 in the third quarter, the Pistons defense also took a hit in the second unit. Rose, continued to shine in his second game back from left knee soreness to give the stagnant second unit a boost.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 28: Jerami Grant #9 of the Detroit Pistons drives against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena on December 28, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)DETROIT – Donovan Mitchell scored 13 of his 28 points in a decisive first quarter, and the Utah Jazz held on for a 96-86 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. Utah scored the game's first nine points and never trailed. The Jazz went on a 17-0 run later in the first, pushing their lead to 20 before the quarter was over. Jerami Grant scored 28 points for the Pistons, who cut the deficit to six late in the third quarter.

DETROIT -- For the second time this season the Detroit Pistons fought their way past regulation time. The Pistons (2-7) found the intensity needed to go up against what head coach Dwane Casey called an offensive juggernaut. The Suns came out blazing in the third, but the Pistons found their rhythm to pull within four, their smallest deficit since the first quarter. The Pistons also had help from guard Delon Wright, who had 16 points, five rebounds and six assists. After the defense slumped a little the game before, the Pistons ended the night with a season-high 12 steals and forced Phoenix into 20 turnovers.

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, right, drives against Detroit Pistons center Mason Plumlee during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)Jayson Tatum hit a fallaway as Blake Griffin stumbled with 2.9 seconds left, then tied up the Detroit veteran on the other end to help the Boston Celtics beat the Pistons 122-120 on Sunday for a weekend split. The Celtics shot a season-best 57%. “It seems like they made every shot, especially Brown,” Pistons coach Dwane Casey said. Mykhailiuk scored eight straight Detroit points, and the Pistons took a 118-117 lead on Mason Plumlee’s free throws with 42.2 seconds left.

NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)DETROIT – Jeremi Grant scored 24 points and Derrick Rose added 17 as the Detroit Pistons won for the first time this season, beating the Boston Celtics 96-93 on Friday night. Rookie Saddiq Bey added 17 points and seven rebounds for the Pistons, who had lost four straight to start the season. “We just weren't running.”Bey, though, scored 12 points in the quarter to keep the Pistons ahead. The Celtics missed their next seven shots and Rose's layup put the Pistons ahead 94-93 with 1:20 left.

Sekou Doumbouya and Josh Jackson were bright spots for the Detroit Pistons during the 2020 preseason. DETROIT – By our count, the Detroit Pistons have made 27 transactions in the last month, including trades, free agent signings, draft picks and cuts. Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles with the ball against Gary Trent Jr. #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers. Wayne Ellington of the Detroit Pistons looks on while playing the Washington Wizards during the second half at Little Caesars Arena on Feb. 11, 2019 in Detroit. Lee can spend up to 45 days on the Pistons’ roster while also playing in the G League.

But they need proven, experienced players to not only help them win games but also aid in the development of rookies and younger players. “Our philosophy is build up from the young guys plus some veteran teachers, mentors, guys who still are productive and very good players. Our veterans have done an excellent job of teaching, showing the young guys what to do, demonstrating it with their actions and their habits in practice. Plumlee said on Tuesday that Isaiah Stewart has the best attitude he has seen from a young player. “Wayne Ellington has been a great leader in shooting drills, talking to young players, understanding who he is and where he is in his career,” Casey said.

On Dec. 1, the Pistons signed Sirvydis to a three-year contract. Killian Hayes -- 2020 first-round draft pick (No. 7 overall)Isaiah Stewart -- 2020 first-round draft pick (No. 16 overall)Saddiq Bey -- 2020 first-round draft pick (No. Delon Wright -- Acquired in 2020 trade with Oklahoma City Thunder Pistons sent Trevor Ariza to Oklahoma CityNOTE: Saben Lee, the team’s 2020 second-round draft pick (No.

That is why he signed free agents Mason Plumlee and Jahlil Okafor, big men who do not shoot 3-pointers, but they protect the rim, rebound and score at the basket. “I love bigs,” Weaver said. They had a lot of bigs and we’re going to have some bigs as well.”This was a position of need. He’s going to be great in the locker room. Jahlil has been loved in every locker room, an extremely humble young man.”Said Okafor: “I’m going to work hard, I’m going to transform my body, my mind, just to be ready for this opportunity.

Ahead of the free agency period, the Pistons did not extend qualifying offers to Jordan Bone and Thon Maker. Before the Pistons cut Dedmon, many analysts and reporters questioned the team’s approach to free agency. At the time of Plumlee’s and Okafor’s signings, Detroit had five centers under contract. Here’s what they’re saying about the Pistons after the first day of free agency. Trevor Ariza to Oklahoma City Thunder in 3-team trade with Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks (ESPN)Grading Every 2020 NBA Free-Agency Signing (Bleacher Report)Trade grades: Who wins the Mavs-Thunder-Pistons deal?

Troy Weaver has made a flurry of trades, draft picks and free agent signings in his first offseason as Detroit Pistons general manager. Nov. 18: Houston draft pick tradeBefore the start of the draft, the Pistons acquired the No. 16 overall pick and guaranteed the return draft pick will either be worse than No. Nov. 18: Sold 2021 second-round pickWeaver sold a second-round pick to the Rockets for $4.6 million. 19 overall pick, Dzanan Musa, Jaylen Hands, Rodney McGruder, Toronto’s 2021 second-round pick, cash considerations8.

The Detroit Pistons added more veteran presence to bolster their frontcourt. On Friday, the Pistons reportedly signed center Mason Plumlee shortly after free agency got underway. Free agent center Mason Plumlee has agreed to a three-year, $25M deal with the Detroit Pistons, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. Shortly after, Wojnarowski reported that the Pistons had also signed center Jahlil Okafor to a two-year deal. The Pistons have five centers under contract with the drafting of Isaiah Stewart on Wednesday night and the trade acquisitions of Tony Bradley and Dewayne Dedmon.

Harrell ended the two-year run of teammate Lou Williams who finished third and gave the Clippers four winners in the last five years. Harrell and Williams helped the Clippers have the leagues highest-scoring bench for the second straight season. Harrell received 58 first-place votes from a panel of 100 sports writers and broadcasters, earning 397 points. Dennis Schroder of Oklahoma City was second with 35 first-place votes and 328 points, while Williams got the other seven first-place votes and 127 points. Harrell didn't play during that after leaving the team because of his grandmother's death, but returned to help the Clippers into the second round of the playoffs.

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. Kyle Kuzma hit a 3-pointer with .4 seconds left and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Denver Nuggets 124-121 Monday night to snap a three-game losing streak. Dozier had a chance to put the Nuggets up by one with 4.4 seconds left but missed the second of two free throws. Kuzma rebounded and the Lakers called timeout to set up the winning play. James had given the Lakers a 121-119 lead by converting a 3-point play with 45.7 seconds to go. Lakers: Play the Sacramento Kings on Thursday in their final bubble game.