Detroit Pistons: How will Jose Calderon fit in next year?

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 09: Jose Calderon #81 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts to a call during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on February 9, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Last season

Playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers this past season, Calderon’s impact was hard to quantify. The Spaniard averaged just 4.5 points and 2.1 assists in only 16 minutes a night, mostly spent coming off the bench.

However, when Calderon was inserted into the starting lineup, it made the Cavaliers a totally different team. Cleveland posted a 23-9 record when he started, a clear indicator of the effect he has on the game, even when the stats don’t show it.

Calderon’s presence as an unselfish distributor and lights-out shooter was a welcome sight for LeBron James, who carried a much bigger burden offensively than recommended.

With all the turmoil Cleveland had in 2018, especially in regards to its point guard situation, it’s anyone’s guess why it didn’t turn to Calderon more often.

Now in Detroit, there’s a very real possibility that Calderon could have the same effect on his new Pistons teammates as a guy willing to do the little things in limited minutes despite being a year older with even more mileage on his body.

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