Tolu

Smith

Smith, who was on a two-way contract, has appeared in 14 games as a Piston, including 13 this season. While the 6-foot-11 forward/center can provide added insurance in the frontcourt, Smith is unlikely to play much during the playoffs. However, he could see extended action during the final week of the regular season if Detroit decides to rest its rotation post players.

The 37th overall pick in the 2024 draft, Klintman struggled with injuries for most of his two seasons with the Pistons. He appeared in 20 games, including 12 during the 2025-26 campaign. Klintman’s exit is a corresponding move, as the Pistons needed to free a standard contract slot to convert Tolu Smith’s two-way deal.

Duren was initially absent from the Pistons’ injury report. If he’s unable to play, Paul Reed would move into the starting lineup, which raises his fantasy ceiling considerably. Tolu Smith would move into the rotation, but he would not be worth the risk in fantasy leagues.

Smith played 18 minutes off the bench in Thursday’s win over the Knicks as he served as Paul Reed’s backup with Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart suspended. With Duren’s suspension over now, Smith will likely fall out of the Pistons’ usual rotation.

Smith played 18 minutes off the bench in Thursday’s win over the Knicks, serving as Paul Reed’s backup. With Jalen Duren returning from suspension, the Pistons’ center rotation will consist of him and Reed, with Smith likely falling out of the rotation entirely. Smith’s potential absence does not affect fantasy basketball.

Even with the Pistons being shorthanded in the frontcourt, Klintman’s absence will not impact fantasy basketball. Tolu Smith has been productive recently, but that isn’t enough to make him a trustworthy player in most fantasy leagues. Also, Jalen Duren (ankle) is probable for Monday, so there may not be many minutes available to Smith.

Smith is entering the final year of his two-year, two-way contract, making these games in Las Vegas critical. The issue for him is Detroit’s frontcourt rotation, as Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart and Paul Reed are all under contract for the 2025-26 campaign. His skill set is similar to that of Duren and Stewart, who also don’t offer much value as a face-up post player. Smith’s fantasy prospects for the 2025-26 season aren’t the best, even if he offers some intrigue as a rebounder and rim protector.