Tolu smith

Smith has shown enough to be considered as a depth Center with the parent club. Smith is a traditional back to the basket big man but he does a good job of asserting himself on both ends of the floor in the paint.

Role: Although his age and lacks top of athleticism limits his ceiling, he appears to be a player that wouldn’t be lost in the midst of other NBA talents in spot situations

Chaz Lanier

Chaz has used the opportunity get up his fair share of outside shots. Lanier has put up the 3rd most 3 point attempts and has converted on 33% of them. Lanier has looked comfortable in spot up opportunities, dribble handoffs, and movement shooting off pin-down screens. Where he will need to improve on his creating off the dribble and attacking the cup. He finished the Summer League without attempting a single free  He also didn’t shoot super efficient, but the form and confidence is there.

Role: In due time he could be a contributor off the bench, but may be the odd-man out early on for rotational minutes.

Ron Holland

Holland has been the most impressive players in all of Summer League talents. Pistons legend Isaiah Thomas was quoted saying “once he becomes a two way player look out NBA”. And from what we’ve seen this summer every indication that, that is the direction he is headed in. Defensively, he’s well on his way but this offseason it appears he has incorporated a step back move to create space and the confidence to knock that shot down is there. *STATS* Holland has always been willing to attack the balance but his ability to weave through traffic and finish in contact is getting even better. He was commonly a little to handsy on defense last year and that trend continues to be a thing in Summer League but that could also be due to the increased foul limit.

Role: He could be a big part of the Pistons avoiding the second year hangover after the massive improvement from a record low of a season.

Daniss Jenkins

The second most impressive player this Summer has been Dannis Jenkins. He also has entered the summer at somewhat of a position of need at the backup point guard position. He has shot a blazing 57% from the field and 53% from 3. He has dazzled the crowd with a number of high flying dunks in transition. Even more important that his gaudy shooting numbers is his ability to get others involved. His 5:1 assist to turnover ratio suggest that he may be more than just a shoot first point guard.

Role: Jenkins’ length and athleticism could put him in the position to compete with his childhood friend Marcus Sasser for minutes this year. I can say with pretty full certainty you will see him eclipse the minutes he played in Detroit last year.

Daniss Jenkins : 18 points (7-11 shooting & 3-5 from 3), 3 rebounds, 3 assists & 2 blocks in 22 minutes pic.twitter.com/ruzMwU5GT1

— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) July 12, 2025

Bobi Klintman

With the Pistons lacking size in the front court, the team was looking for Klintman to come in and show development from his rookie season. Thus far, he has been a disappointment. Outside of the occasional slick pass, offensively he still appears unpolished and raw. He has been somewhat of a turnover magnet, averaging 3.7 turnovers to 3 assist per game. Klintman’s best game to date came against the Miami Heat where he scored 20 points on 63% shooting from the field. He displayed aggression and athleticism. He showcased an ability to slash to the lane and finishing on euro step layups at the rim

Role: He is still young, so the hopes that later In the season on he can be a rotational bench player, but he may benefit from a little more time in the G league.

Zakai Zeigler

In limited minutes, he showed an ability to be a composed floor general. Overall he didn’t shoot very efficiently but he did shoot over 40% from beyond the arc in four games.

Role: He will likely be the backup point guard for the Motor City Cruise, or possibly even the starter depending on where Jenkins lands for the majority of the year. He is a heady lead guard, that plays with good energy and is defensive-minded. All things that bode well with the mentality Bickerstaff likes to work with. What will likely hold him back is his inconsistent shooting and lack of size at only 5’9 and 171 lbs.