Detroit Pistons drop surprise roster bombshell before Washington Wizards clash

In a surprising pregame shake-up, the Detroit Pistons have made a bold roster decision ahead of their Monday night showdown with the Washington Wizards in Michigan. The move, first reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, sees the Pistons reshaping their two-way slots as they look to maintain their strong momentum in the Eastern Conference.

Detroit Pistons riding high Into Wizards matchup

Detroit enters the matchup fresh off an impressive 111-108 road victory against the Philadelphia 76ers — a win that solidified their place as one of the early-season powerhouses in the East. With an 8-2 record through ten games, the Pistons currently sit atop the conference standings and continue to show signs of a revitalized, cohesive unit under their new system.

Wendell Moore Jr. Joins Detroit on Two-Way Deal

As part of the latest roster move, Detroit plans to add former Duke standout Wendell Moore Jr. on a two-way contract. Moore Jr., known for his defensive versatility and playmaking ability, brings depth and athleticism to a roster already firing on multiple cylinders. His addition signals Detroit’s intent to maintain flexibility and bolster its wing rotation as the season intensifies.

Colby Jones released to make roster space

To make room for Moore Jr., the Detroit Pistons are parting ways with Colby Jones, a two-way guard who had recently joined the franchise. According to Scotto, “The Detroit Pistons plan to waive two-way guard Colby Jones to make room for the addition of Wendell Moore Jr, league sources said. Jones played one game for Detroit this season. The 34th pick of the 2023 NBA Draft has also played for the Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards.”

Jones, a promising young guard out of Xavier, was the 34th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Despite limited playing time in Detroit, he has logged 70 NBA appearances across stints with the Kings, Wizards, and Pistons. Over his career, the 23-year-old has averaged 3.2 points and 1.9 rebounds per game, shooting 43.3% from the field and 24.7% from beyond the arc.

While the move may seem minor, it underscores the Detroit Pistons’ strategic approach toward roster management and player development. Adding Moore Jr. gives Detroit an additional layer of defensive intensity and bench depth — assets that could prove valuable as the team pushes to sustain its strong start.