Detroit — Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has been conscious of revealing too much about his rotation during the first two preseason games, not only from a coaching standpoint.
But the Detroit Pistons were short-handed due to the absence of Tobias Harris. The veteran forward had been sidelined for nearly a week after a battle with COVID. Harris had to watch the Pistons' 1-1 start to the preseason in quarantine but has been impressed by the team's production.
"Overall, the energy from the group has been good," Harris said in his return to practice Thursday. "They have been implementing what we have been learning through the whole training camp. ... From both games, there are a lot of tools to learn. Great pieces. We have a physical team. We just got to impose our will and be physical as a whole group, knock down our shots, defend and communicate."
Despite missing nearly a week of training camp and the first two exhibition games, Harris believes he would make a seamless addition to the Pistons on both ends. Watching the Pistons' ball movement has been Harris' favorite part about the offense. They have averaged 30 assists through the first two games — tied for fifth-best in the league with the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets.
As a 14-year veteran, Harris envisions himself as an additional facilitator who can create scoring opportunities for his teammates and someone who can use his size to score down on the low post.
However, Harris believes his 3-point shooting will be his most significant contribution to improving the team's floor spacing. He prides himself on being a reliable catch-and-shoot option. During his 5½ seasons playing with the 76ers, Harris shot 37.4% on catch-and-shoot 3-point field goals. His best came during the 2020-21 season when he shot a sizzling 43.2% on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers.
On the defensive end, Harris feels he can improve Detroit's defense due to his physicality and versatility as a player who can switch and defend one through four.
"The way they guard him, obviously, will be different with his ability to space the floor," Bickerstaff said. "And then his IQ and his understanding of what we're trying to do. He creates that for other guys around him, like his veteran presence just makes people's jobs easier because he knows how to play the game and make the right play."
The Pistons signed Harris to a two-year, $52 million deal in July. Although Harris will be a massive addition to the Pistons' on-court production, Harris' veteran leadership made him an attractive target in free agency.
Before taking the helm of the Milwaukee Bucks, Doc Rivers coached Harris for six years as a member of the 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers. He described Harris as a pro's pro who would make a great addition to the Pistons' young core amid their ongoing development.
"I had the luxury of knowing Tobias from a long time ago and seeing him as a professional just early in his career," Pistons owner Tom Gores said. "We're really connected. He's got family in Detroit. I know the kind of person he is. He wants to make a difference here.
"Tobias is a pillar. I feel good about the way he's going to contribute, and he's solid. You don't have to worry about any one game. He's going to show up."
Bickerstaff has been adamant about finding the best group of players who work well together and vows to put different lineups together throughout the preseason.
He has used different starting lineups in each of the Pistons' first two preseason games. On Friday night against the Phoenix Suns, given Harris' expected return, another change could be made. After starting Malik Beasley on Tuesday night at Michigan State's Breslin Center, Bickerstaff revealed Harris will be one of three presumed starters for the regular season alongside Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham.
"I keep saying it's a great group of young men who really want to learn and really want to be great at what they do," Harris said. "For me, as somebody who's been in this league, just to be able to be on the court with them and teach them. It means the world to me.
"That's the beauty of being here. To go out and play and help this group win as many games as you can. But at the same time, this is a whole development for all of our young guys here to be the best players that they can be. I'm excited about that, and I embrace it every day. It's been a blessing to be a part of it."
coty.davis@detroitnews.com
@cotydavis_24