The Detroit Pistons are making some big moves during the offseason, including bringing back vet Tobias Harris, and for good reason. They’ve been bottom feeders in the NBA for years, and something has to turn this franchise around. I’m a loyal Pistons fan, so I don’t mean to rag on this team. But, it was really difficult last season to watch every game and get excited at the idea of winning only to lose.
Pistons’ Tobias Harris on Joining Detroit
Lots has been happening in the Detroit Pistons‘ camp as of late, but before all of the changes even took place, there was buzz that Detroit was hoping to bring Tobias Harris onto their roster. They need some players with experience, and Harris was available and wanting a gig, so it seemed like a good fit.
As it turns out, it was a good fit. Harris recently signed a two-year deal for a second gig with the Pistons. That wasn’t too surprising, but what was surprising was how much money he’s getting. Harris got $52 million in the deal. So, why did Detroit make it such a priory to bring Harris back into the fold? And, will the payoff be worth it?
Either way, Harris is very happy to be back in the Motor City. He talked about his love for Detroit during the NBA TV broadcast of the Pistons’ Summer League game against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday (July 16).
“Detroit always had a place in my heart from the time that I was there,” Harris said in the interview. “Originally I met my wife (Jasmine) in Detroit, so that’s where she’s from. And for me it was an opportunity to be a part of a young group that has taken the right steps in the right direction to really turn this thing around. And that meant a lot for me and I was excited for a new chapter.”
Harris is coming back to Detroit to hopefully improve the team’s dismal record. The first time Harris was in the Motor City, he was seen as a possible star. But, then the team traded him to the Los Angeles Clippers, as part of a deal to get Blake Griffin.
Today, Harris is a veteran. He’s entering his 14th season in the NBA. He’ll take on a leadership role, which is something that was missing with the team for the past few seasons.
My hope is that Harris helps lead the Pistons’ biggest star: Cade Cunningham. Of course, Cunningham recently signed a huge deal with the franchise for $224 million. Hopefully, Harris will help Cunningham and other potential stars – such as Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland II and Bobi Klintman – become the players they are capable of being. If this works, it will be looked at as a major win for new president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon and his team.
Tobias Harris Gets It
Harris understands his role, too.
“I think with the new staff, with the young talent we have, and more importantly, with the characteristics of the guys that we have. I’ve just been around for a few days and just seeing the work ethic, seeing the eagerness to learn is huge,” Tobias Harris said.
He added, “And for me just to come in, be a vet voice for all these guys on and off the floor, and conduct ourselves as professionals and give our fans, our passionate fans, a show every single night we step on the floor.”
I love seeing that someone is excited to be on the Pistons’ squad, because let’s be real. It’s hard to get veterans stoked about coming to a team that has such a losing record. Hopefully Harris’ positive energy will rub off on the team.