Pistons make late roster move before 2026 playoffs

The Detroit Pistons have made a late roster move ahead of the 2026 NBA playoffs. 

ESPN's Shams Charania shared that the Pistons have signed two-way center Tolu Smith to a two-year deal.

The Detroit Pistons are signing two-way center Tolu Smith to a two-year deal, agent Corey Marcum of EZ Sports Group tells ESPN.

It's unclear what role Smith will play for the best team in the East.

Who is Tolu Smith?

Smith was previously on a two-way contract with the Pistons. He's made a total of 14 appearances in the NBA. In his limited time in the association, he's averaged 4.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 0.4 blocks in 10.9 minutes per contest.

He played in one game for the Pistons last season and has played in 13 games this season. 

Smith, 25, went undrafted in 2024 after playing his college ball at Western Kentucky and later transferring to Mississippi State, where he played from 2020 24. Smith was named to the first-team All-SEC in back-to-back seasons. 

However, that was not enough to get drafted. After going undrafted, Smith joined the Pistons for the 2024 NBA Summer League and in late September 2024, he signed with the team. 

A month later, Smith was waived and joined the Pistons' G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise. In early January 2025, Smith signed a two-way contract with the team. He's been a mainstay with the organization throughout. 

The Pistons have three games remaining in the regular season and will be the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference once the playoffs arrive for the first time since the 2006-07 season.