The Detroit Pistons have officially filled their final roster position with former Cleveland Cavaliers player Lamar Stevens. Lamar is 6’5 230 pounds. Although he is somewhat undersized to guard interior players, his strength and wingspan enable him to defend a wide array of players.  Stevens played 3 years under the tutelage of current Piston’s Coach JB Bickerstaff. Stevens most recently played for the Memphis Grizzlies where he average 11 points and 5 rebounds per game, while shooting 45% from the field, including 28% from 3.

ADVANCED ANALYTICS

Advanced analytics suggest he doesn’t provide much in the way of offense outside of attacking the basket downhill with the occasional transition bucket. It is defensively where he flourishes the most. He rates in the 90th percentile in block percentage, defensive versatility and rim defense.

ROLE

Stevens will likely serve as an insurance, depth guy in a wing room that’s as deep as it’s been in years. He will provide defensive grit and help test the younger players as they get acclimated to a more physical and intense style of play. The acquisition also makes sense given the fact that Detroit’s young swingman Ausar Thompson has not been cleared by doctors to perform all basketball activities. This will certainly open up some available options for Stevens.