The Detroit Pistons took a big step forward in improving their bench by reaching an agreement to sign firebug point guard Ish Smith to a three-year deal, multiple outlets including the Detroit Free Press reported early Friday morning. According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Smith will make $18 million over the life of the contract.
Smith takes over the reins as backup point guard with Steve Blake likely departing in free agency. Smith notched 12.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season for the Pelicans and Sixers. He's not great defensively but a veteran firecracker who can get hot quickly and shot 33 percent from 3-point range last season.
Smith provides the Pistons with bench scoring, which they desperately needed; Detroit had one of the worst reserve units in the NBA last season. It's a smart signing by Stan Van Gundy to address a key need.
