Pistons just stole Celtics offseason find out of nowhere

Former Boston Celtics forward Wendell Moore Jr. has signed a two-way contract to join the Detroit Pistons, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.

Moore Jr. spent this past preseason in Boston, competing for a two-way spot with the Celtics. That spot ultimately went to Ron Harper Jr., but Moore Jr. stuck around, signing with the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G-League affiliate.

He only appeared in two games, both against the Greensboro Swarm, but impressed in the small sample size. Moore Jr. averaged 21.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 60.9% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc.

His opportunities in the preseason were limited, with the majority of the minutes going to rotation players and incoming rookies. Still, Moore Jr. left a lasting impression with one of the loudest preseason poster dunks we’ve ever witnessed.

Wendell Moore Jr.'s NBA journey has led him back to the Pistons

Moore Jr. spent the majority of his three-year pro career with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who acquired him from the Dallas Mavericks after they drafted him 26th overall out of Duke in 2022. 

The Virginia native appeared in 54 games for Minnesota over two seasons. He only played about 4.2 minutes per outing, averaging 1.1 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per contest -- not much opportunity to prove himself.

Last season, Moore Jr. saw some extra minutes during his time with the Pistons and Charlotte Hornets.

He suited up in 20 games for Detroit, playing about 11 minutes each time. Moore Jr. averaged 3.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per outing while shooting 46% from the field and 28.6% from long range.

The Pistons waived Moore Jr. in February, allowing him to sign with the Hornets for the remainder of the season.

His time in Charlotte was actually the most promising of his young career. Moore Jr. averaged 5.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game in about 17.5 minutes each night. His shooting splits improved for the 16-game stint, too, shooting up to 47.4% from the field and 37.0% from three-point range.

At 24 years old, Moore Jr.’s time to stick to an NBA roster is running out. It’s tough to imagine him earning a spot in Detroit’s rotation this season, especially on a two-way contract, as they’ve been excellent to start the season.

As of Nov. 10, the Pistons sit at the top of the Eastern Conference with an 8-2 record.

Anyway, Moore Jr. will likely spend most of his time with Detroit’s G-League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Drive.