BROOKLYN — Even after nine games this season, the Pistons appear poised for a dominant year, but their success hasn’t deterred the front office from exploring ways to enhance their roster further.
Before their first game in the Emirates NBA Cup at Barclays Center on Friday, which would extend their winning streak to five games, the Pistons announced that they had been awarded forward/center Isaac Jones off waivers.
“There is an energy, he has a similar spirit to the group of bigs we have already,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “He is a fighter. He is a scrapper. He has great interior skills. He just gives us a boost.”
Jones, 25, is in his second season. The 6-foot-8 forward spent all of last year playing for the Sacramento Kings. He signed a two-way contract with the organization after going unselected in the 2024 NBA Draft. He appeared in 40 games for the Kings, but spent much of his rookie year with their G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings.
Jones was a central figure in helping the Kings win their first G League title last season, averaging 21.1 points on 57.3% shooting, 9.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. He finished the season earning All-NBA G League Third Team honors.
Before joining the NBA, Jones played for three different colleges. He began his college career at the junior level, playing for Wenatchee Valley.
After three successful seasons, Jones transferred to Idaho for a season (2022-23) and finished his collegiate career at Washington State (2023-23). In a combined 66 Divisional I games played, Jones averaged 17.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.
Jones’ arrival adds to the Pistons’ frontcourt versatility, headlined by Jalen Duren, who is currently averaging 19.2 points and 11.3 rebounds through the first nine games. Jones has also filled the Pistons’ last remaining roster spot.