The Detroit Pistons were among the most active teams at this year’s trade deadline line, making four separate deals on Feb. 7 and 8. The Pistons have made an NBA high-five in-season trades this year.
Detroit brought in eight players in the four most recent trades while sending out four. As a result of being over the NBA’s 15-player limit, the Pistons had to make additional moves. The Pistons requested waivers on recently acquired Danuel House, Danilo Gallinari, Joe Harris, and Ryan Arciadiacano.
With Gallinari clearing waivers earlier today, Detroit had an open roster spot. The Pistons signed Tosan Evbuomwan to fill that spot today, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Pistons are signing F Tosan Evbuomwan on a 10-day contract, @georgelangberg of GSL Sports Group tells ESPN. Evbuomwan — a rookie off Princeton’s Sweet 16 team — recently completed a 10-day with Memphis. He’s averaged 15 points for G League’s Motor City Cruise this season. pic.twitter.com/mmvnuWXeVa
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 11, 2024
Will Tosan Evbuoman Stick With Pistons For Rest Of Season?
Evbuomwan, undrafted out of Princeton, has spent most of the season with the Pistons’ G-League affiliate Motor City Cruise. However, the 23-year-old wing just finished up with a 10-day hardship deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he saw action in four games. The Grizzlies were granted three hardship 10-day waivers due to having 13 injured players at the end of January.
Evbuomwan made the most of his opportunity with the Grizzlies in a difficult situation. However, Evbuoman struggled mightily on both ends. He did a good job hitting the boards, particularly on the offensive end.
Evbuomwan averaged 2.5 points, 3.5 rebounds (2.0 offensive), and 1.5 assists in 18,5 minutes of action. He shot 26.7% from the field and 20% from the free throw line while not getting to the free throw line once. His best game came against the Boston Celtics on Feb. 4, posting three points ( 1 of 7 field goals, 1 of 5 from 3-point line), 12 rebounds (seven offensive), and three assists in nearly 30 minutes.
Prior to joining Memphis, Evbuomwan was having a sensational campaign with Detroit’s G-League affiliate, Motor City Cruise. The 6-7 forward compiled 15.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 29 games with the Cruise. He produced 10 double-doubles while scoring in double-figures in 25 games and topped the 20-point mark five times.
“He moves all over the floor, plays positions three through five,” Cruise head coach Jamelle McMillan said of Evbuomwan, who McMillan referred to as the team’s x-factor, earlier this season. “We’re putting him in all kinds of matchups because of his ability to switch and move his feet.
“He’s a connector for us offensively, moving the basketball from side to side.”
Will Evbuomwan Get A Chance With the Pistons?
Evbuomwan spent this entire offseason with the Pistons. After going undrafted out of Princeton, where he earned 2021-22 Ivy League Player of the Year, Evbuomwan joined the Pistons summer league. Evbuomwan played well with the Pistons in limited opportunity in Vegas, though he struggled during the preseason.
So, will Evbuomwan get a chance during his 10-day deal with the Pistons?
Detroit is 8-44 on the season. The Pistons will finish their five-game West swing on Wednesday at the Los Angeles Lakers and Thursday in Phoenix before going on break for a week. When the Pistons return, Evbuomwan’s 10-day contract will be up.
Detroit coach Monty Williams used 11 players in a six-point loss to the Los Angeles Clippers last time out. If Isaiah Stewart and Quentin Grimes remain sidelined, Evbuomwan could get a few minutes off the bench this week.
After the all-star break, Detroit may decide to sign Evbuomwan to a second 10-day contract. But after that, Detroit would need to either part ways with him or sign him for the rest of the season. With the Pistons looking ahead to next season, it only makes sense to see what the athletic youngster can do.
Evbuomwan is the 12th NBA player to play at Princeton. Before Evbuomwan appeared in games for the Grizzlies this year, Devin Cannady was the last Tiger to reach the NBA in 2019. Former New York Knick legend Bill Bradley is the longest tenured Princeton NBA player at 10 years.