Boban Marjanovic leaving San Antonio Spurs for Detroit Pistons
Boban Marjanovic has reportedly agreed to a three-year, $21 million deal with the Detroit Pistons.
According to Marc Stein of ESPN, restricted free agent center Boban Marjanovic is leaving the San Antonio Spurs to sign a three year contract with the Detroit Pistons worth $21 million.
Detroit is signing Spurs restricted free agent Boban Marjanovic to a three-year, $21 million offer sheet, according to league sources
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 7, 2016
Thanks to his energetic style of play, Marjanovic was able to win over both the Spurs coaching staff and fan base. That enabled him to raise his value in the NBA. It happened at the right time, and has allowed the 7-foot-3, 290-pound big man to cash in on free agency.
The Spurs really wanted to keep Marjanovic around, but their roster reload and salary cap situation prevented it from happening. The Pistons were aware of that, so they decided to capitalize on the situation and added more front court depth.
San Antonio had three days to match the offer, as reported by ESPN. However, management decided that it would be best to just let Marjanovic join the Pistons.
Detroit already has an All Star center in Andre Drummond, so Marjanovic will most likely play a role off the bench. The 27-year-old only has a year of experience in the NBA, so it makes sense that the Pistons would have him learning in a reserve role.
The Serbian born player logged 54 games during his rookie season, averaging 5.5 points and 3.6 rebounds a game. If he can earn more than 9.4 minutes a game with the Pistons, then those numbers could be improved.
This is the second year in a row Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy has taken away a center from the Spurs. Last summer, he acquired Aron Baynes. It is interesting that Van Gundy wanted another center after Baynes proved to be a competent backup behind Drummond last season.
For the Spurs, the loss of Marjanovic will hurt a bit more if the legendary Tim Duncan retires. San Antonio added Pau Gasol in free agency, but was forced to trade Boris Diaw to the Utah Jazz to make room for the former Chicago Bulls forward.
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