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NBA Rumors: Pistons See Tobias Harris as a 'Foundational Leader' After FA Contract

Andrew PetersJuly 16, 2024

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 30: Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the New York Knicks during Round 1 Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE  (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

The Detroit Pistons reportedly view Tobias Harris very highly after signing the veteran in free agency this offseason.

Per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, the team believes Harris can be a "foundational leader" amid Detroit's rebuild.

While Harris has never been a team's first option, he will join the Pistons as one of the most experienced players and look to offer some wisdom from the perspective of a 13-year veteran.

Harris has been a reliable role player for much of the last decade. He's averaged 16.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists across his career and has had seasons where he hovered around the 20-point per-game mark. Last year, he put up 17.2 points per game while serving as the Philadelphia 76ers' third option behind Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

Harris was a member of the Pistons roster from 2015 to 2018, helping Detroit reach one of its only two playoff appearances of the last decade during the 2015-16 season. While it will take more than the addition of Harris for the Pistons to reach the playoffs this year, he could at least help them start moving in the right direction.

Detroit is coming off its worst season in franchise history, which saw it finish at the bottom of the league at 14-68. The Pistons consist mostly of young developing players, and they'll look to Harris to be a "foundational leader" for that group this year.