After opening up one of their two-way contract slots, the Detroit Pistons are set to bring back center Isaac Jones on a two-year, two-way deal, according to a report from HoopsHype.
Jones was waived last week as the Pistons had to maneuver their roster to bring in Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric via trade. The 25-year-old cleared waivers and will now take up the two-way spot previously held by Daniss Jenkins, who signed a standard contract this week.
Initially a two-way player for the Sacramento Kings out of Washington State, Jones earned his way to a standard contract after exceeding expectations in his first season. The Kings would move on from Jones after just three games this season and the Pistons picked him up to fill their final roster spot on Nov. 6.
He only made one appearance with the Pistons in November, spending most of the season on G League assignment with the Motor City Cruise. Jones played 15 games for the Cruise, averaging 16.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocker per game.
If the Pistons were to need Jones, he can be active for up to 50 NBA games — there are only 30 remaining in the season — but he won’t be eligible for postseason basketball.
There’s a chance the Pistons will need some front court help over their next few games as a fight broke out in their win over the Charlotte Hornets Monday night that could see center Jalen Duren and big man Isaiah Stewart potentially suspended.
Paul Reed stepped in and finished strong for the Pistons against Charlotte, but they’ll surely need more size if their two regulars miss extended time. Fellow two-way center Tolu Smith and Jones would be possible candidates to see court time in that case.
In 44 career games, Jones averages 3.2 points and 1.3 rebounds, the bulk of that coming from his rookie season.