2018 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Jose Calderon: 1 year, $2.4 million (Detroit Pistons)
Free agent Jose Calderon agrees to a one-year, $2.4 million deal with Detroit, league sources tell ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 2, 2018
The Detroit Pistons are the masters of finding backup point guards who are probably third string point guards, but wind up being starting point guards thanks to the injury bug. Given the health problems of Reggie Jackson and how often Ish Smith has had to step into the starting role, having another experienced floor general won’t hurt, especially at the league minimum.
After 13 years in the league, the 36-year-old Jose Calderon isn’t anything flashy. He averaged 16 minutes per game for the Cavaliers last season, posting just 4.5 points and 2.1 assists a night. However, he converted 46.4 percent of his 1.7 3-point attempts per game and is a reliable option if injuries pile up once again.
There were probably better options available given how dry the market is for cap space, but Calderon isn’t a terrible pickup either — especially since the Pistons can still stay under the cap while signing second round picks Bruce Brown Jr. and Khyri Thomas.
Bourguet Grade: C+
Hoops Habit Grade: B