The Detroit Pistons are shaving down their lineup to reach the 15-man roster (plus two two-way contracts) that teams must trim down to for Opening Night. As such, the team announced that they have converted Zach Lofton' contract to a two-way deal and Reggie Hearn has been waived.
Lofton was a pleasant surprise for Detroit in the Las Vegas Summer League and preseason. The use of the two-way contract gives the organization a great opportunity to develop Lofton in the G League without losing him to another team. The 25-year-old isn't your typical rookie. He jumped around during his college years, but he now has an opportunity to make his way in the league.
Reggie Hearn played for Stan Van Gundy's Pistons on a two-way contract. The new regime doesn't have the same faith in Hearn that Van Gundy did. Hearn is 27 years old and the team is choosing to invest in younger players instead.
These moves trim the roster to 15, plus the two two-way contracts so Detroit is ready to roll. The Pistons made waves when they traded for Blake Griffin at the trading deadline last season. They failed to make a late playoff push in 2018, but they are hoping to enter the fray in 2018-19. The Pistons bring in Dwane Casey as head coach and they feature an imposing frontline with Griffin and Andre Drummond.
The Eastern Conference is wide open and the Pistons goal should ultimately be a playoff spot. They are flying under the radar as opening night approaches.