Pistons Sign Former Lakers Fan Favorite

Olivari being released by the Lakers came as a shock after he wooed the franchise’s fan base and, seemingly, their decision-makers during last year’s Summer League exhibitions.

In those games, he averaged just 5.8 points per game on 28.6% shooting from the field and 26.7% shooting from 3. Yet, his performances seemed to carry more weight than his numbers suggested. This was in part due to the fact that he was playing alongside Bronny James, who was receiving the type of media attention one could expect as the son of LeBron James. It was also because Olivari’s stats really didn’t reflect his defensive intensity and offensive upside.

Those traits were better seen during the regular season, most of which Olivari spent with the Lakers G League affiliate. In the G League, the Atlanta native averaged 17.6 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 35.6% from 3 (40 games). Frankly, there was even a time in which calling him from the G League would have made sense for Los Angeles.

It’s worth noting that Olivari’s G League numbers were similar to the ones he posted in this year’s Summer League. While playing for the Brooklyn Nets, the 24-year-old averaged 16.7 points, 2.7 assists and 1.0 steal per game. However, he shot just 20.0% from 3-point range. To that point, his jumper isn’t broken but it does need work.

Will He Make The Cut?

The Pistons have all three two-way spots filled thanks to Colby Jones, Tolu Smith, and Daniss Jenkins.

However, they do have one standard contract available. As teams are known to be salary-conscious, they could choose to leave the 15th roster slot open. Nevertheless, Olivari could play well enough in training camp for Detroit to decide he’s worth the bill. It’s also possible that Olivari takes a two-way contract from one of Jones, Smith or Jenkins. After all, the NBA is a highly competitive league.

Teams aren’t actually beholden to any single player, especially if they’re on the fringes of the roster. With that being said, Olivari isn’t the only player competing for a roster spot. This offseason, Detroit also signed undrafted rookies Brice Williams, Charles Bediako and Dawson Garcia to Exhibit 10 contracts. Given the Pistons need to add floor-spacers, Williams could have inside the track. In college, Williams shot at least 37% from 3 for four straight seasons.