Detroit Pistons center Tolu Smith made a tactical change to the way he approaches free throws ahead of the 2026-27 campaign
For the time being, the Detroit Pistons have had to slightly adjust their training camp procedure since 22-year old All-Star center Jalen Duren still hasn’t signed a contract of any kind.
Despite an offseason spent working towards a deal, Duren has until 11:59 pm tonight to accept his qualifying offer, otherwise his options will become even more limited. So, the Pistons have had to open training camp slightly differently with Paul Reed assuming the first-string reps at the five.
During the summer, Detroit traded Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies for multiple future second-round draft picks, so Reed naturally received a promotion as the backup center for the Pistons moving forward. Also during the draft, Detroit picked up former Virginia center Ugonna Onyenso to help provide some rim protection down the line, but he’s expected to take some time to develop.
Between Onyenso and Reed is where Tolu Smith likely works into the equation. Last season, Smith had 15 cameos at the NBA level with the Pistons, but his standout performance was undoubtedly a nine-point, 14-rebound, four-block affair against the Los Angeles Clippers in mid-January. Smith logged a season-high 26 minutes that night, which was a preview of the impact that the Mississippi State product can provide down low.
Throughout the offseason, Smith has worked hard to stay in shape in preparation for what he referred to as a rigorous 82-game season. More will be expected of the big man this year, so Smith has made an effort to pay attention to the vets on the squad, such as Reed, who he says has been a positive influence during workouts.
Coincidentally, those workouts have also included a key change to Smith’s mechanics from the charity stripe, which Smith now shoots left-handed.
”We switched it up a little bit,” Smith said after practice Wednesday. “It’s a nice thing. It’s been working for me. I think it’s something I’ll stick with. Conversations with Freddie V. I’m naturally a lefty. I write with my left hand, throw the football with my left, so it was just a matter of time I think.”
At the free throw line, staying comfortable is among the most important requirements for an NBA player, so it will be interesting to see how Smith adjusts to his new routine after shooting 66.7% on low volume for the Pistons and 60% for the Motor City Cruise a year ago.
Regarding his time with the Cruise, that’s where Smith saw the most action last year with 15 games of regular double-double activity. Smith averaged 19.4 points, 11.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks during his work for the Cruise last year in the G-League, so the 6-11, 251-pounder has a track record of performing at a high level when he’s regularly involved.
No matter what happens with the Duren situation, Smith should play a larger role for the Pistons with a larger dose of playing time up for grabs, though he will have to out-play Onyenso to secure that spot.
