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Detroit Pistons: Aaron Gray Signed As Backup Center

By Adam McGee

Jan 20, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Raptors center Aaron Gray (34) against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Lakers 108-103. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Raptors center Aaron Gray (34) against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Lakers 108-103. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 28, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Sacramento Kings center Aaron Gray (33) handles the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Sacramento Kings center Aaron Gray (33) handles the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Having already secured deals for Jodie Meeks and Cartier Martin, Aaron Gray became the Pistons’ third signing of their busy free agency to date. Andre Drummond is Detroit’s prized asset, and yet they went through all of last season without a true backup to him.

The signing of Gray fills that void, and also indicates that Stan Van Gundy will aim to have a legitimate center on the floor at all times.

Gray isn’t a marquee signing by any means, but he should have no problem slipping into a backup role and giving a solid contribution. Gray is an experienced NBA player who is more than familiar with the nuances and physicality of play in the paint in the league.

The upcoming season will be Gray’s seventh in the league, having been drafted with the 49th pick in 2007. Having already played in Chicago, New Orleans, Toronto and Sacramento, the 29-year-old is very much the journeyman, and there’s no doubt that he will bring experience and leadership to the Pistons locker room.

Aside from that, let’s take a closer look at what Gray will bring on the court too.

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