Detroit Pistons Shut Down Leading Scorer


The Detroit Pistons have already locked in the worst record in the NBA this season, so they have nothing left to tank for. Nevertheless, they've likely shut down their best remaining player, Bojan Bogdanovic, due to an Achilles injury. He's been out for the last month. 

But according to head coach Dwane Casey, Bogey is still a contributing member to his 16-63 squad:

"He’s still in our meetings, in our practice, shootarounds, he’s still involved," said Casey. "He gives opinions in our film sessions. If our older players see anything, they speak because they’ve been through it." 

The 34-year-old Bogdanovic, signed to a two-year extension early this season by Detroit, averaged a career-high 21.6 points to lead the team in scoring, while shooting 41% from long range, in his 59 games. 

The Pistons have just one victory in nearly two months (since Feb. 12th), are on a 10-game losing streak, and are guaranteed a 14% chance of winning the Victor Wembanyama NBA Draft Lottery, along with the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs. 

Also next season, they'll get back Cade Cunningham, their No. 1 pick from the 2021 Draft who sat out nearly all of this season with an injury. GM Troy Weaver sees only bright things ahead for the Pistons:

“We are in an excellent spot to upgrade our roster this offseason,” Weaver wrote in a letter to Pistons fans“We’ve positioned ourselves for another high draft choice in this year’s draft, we have a favorable salary cap position."

Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports