Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
It took the Detroit Pistons long enough to show that they plan on having a future with Khris Middleton, one of their rookies from the 2012-13 season.
But Middleton is among the three rookies – with Andre Drummond and Kyle Singler being the others – that the Pistons foresee having a future with the franchise.
Middleton was given more playing time in April by the Pistons. That’s a smart move. When it’s likely you’re not going to make the playoffs, it’s time to empty your bench and see what certain players that haven’t seen much action can do for you.
That’s what the Pistons did with Middleton, who averaged 7.5 points in six games in April and shot a promising 57.1 percent. He showed that he could hit from 3-point territory and from different angles.
He did enough stuff to guarantee him a spot for next season.
Middleton is not looking to be a starter. But the Pistons would like to use him in the No. 7 or 8 role. The No. 6 spot, reserved for Will Bynum, could also be open if he decides to go with another team.
In the last game of the season against the Brooklyn Nets, Middleton saw 25 minutes of playing time and was 3-of-9 from the floor and 4-of-4 in free throws for 10 points. He also had seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
For the season, Middleton averaged 6.1 points 1.9 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game. He wound up playing in 27 games and was 44 percent from the floor, 31.1 percent in 3-pointers and 84.4 percent from the free-throw line. Middleton did enough to have the Pistons not only invest in a second season with him, but many more besides that.
