Pistons News: The Harris-Morris duo; Tobias Harris' charity work; Steve Blake's career

SVG: Tobias Harris and Marcus Morris will be the future of both forward positions

Detroit will still be in the market for a big man during the summer according to the Pistons' Keith Langlois. However, Stan Van Gundy has made it clear that he sees both Tobias Harris and Marcus Morris as the team's primary forwards over the next couple years, and that their versatility makes them a tough match up for opponents.

"I think the fit's been good," Van Gundy said. "They're both versatile and can make plays. Seems to me that, early on, they enjoy playing together. They've made plays for each other. They're looking for each other. It's been good."

"I don't think there's much limit as to where he can go," Van Gundy said of Harris, still only 23. "I think he can be an 18- to 20-point a game guy because of his versatility. It's just hard. Smaller guys are going to have trouble with him in the post. Bigger guys are going to have trouble with him off the dribble. If he starts shooting the ball consistently, then he becomes a nearly impossible matchup. And he'll continue to get better."

Both players have seen upticks in production since joining the Pistons, with Marcus Morris having a career year, posting career highs in minutes (36.1), points (13.7), rebounds (5.0) and assists (2.6). Likewise, Harris has seen his overall shooting (.553 eFG%) and assists average (2.3) increase since moving to Motown (small sample size be damned). Furthermore, as Jason Brunskowski explored in depth, the former Orlando Magic forward has changed Detroit's starting lineup's overall performance for the better since his arrival.

Along with Andre Drummond, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson, the Pistons' starting lineup will be rife with both offensive and defensive versatility, as the core builds chemistry and improves together. When you add Stan Van Gundy's eye for talent and ability to bring it in for cheap, the future really is looking for Detroit.

Harris already giving back to the local community through charity work

It didn't take long for Tobias Harris to become involved with off-court philanthropy, with Detroit's new forward signing on to become an ambassador for City Year, an education-driven non-profit that aims to infuse local urban schools with mentors. As MLive's Aaron McMann noted, Pistons & Platinum Equity member Arn Tellem has long been a benefactor of the program, and was present alongside Harris and Tom Gores as the team pledged a $300,000 donation over the next three years to help support the charity. Here is what Tobias had to say about joining the iniative:

"Being somebody they can talk to and seeing things first hand has always been a big thing for me," Harris said. "Education is one of the biggest keys for a child to be successful. Instilling that in them and reminding them of that can only go a long way."

"The biggest thing for me is to have them set goals so they can get into college and be successful."

This marks the Pistons' third donation in 2016, with McMann reporting that the organization has also made monetary donations to Detroit's Police Athletic League to help build a youth basketball league, as well as to S.A.Y. Detroit to help them renovate their gym and basketball facilities.

Pistons fans should get used to seeing Harris involved in local charities and events, as he has always been very proactive off the court, evident in him earning two Rich & Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Awards whilst in Orlando -- he even took time to attend a youth basketball clinic in Orlando after he'd been dealt to the Pistons! So, keep an eye out for the 23-year-old  and the Pistons organization, as they both look to give back to the local community.

Steve Blake opens up on 13-year career

In a recent interview with MLive's Aaron McMann, the Pistons' back up point guard talked about his career, including his favorite NBA city, his college career and his off-court activities. Throughout his 13 seasons within the League, the Maryland product has played for nine different teams and holds career averages of 6.6 points, 4.0 assists and 2.1 rebounds to go along with a shooting slash of .401/.389/.778. The entire interview with McMann is worth a read, but here are a few of the highlights:

On who was his favorite player growing up:

Basketball-wise, I always enjoyed - when I was real young - Stockton, Marc Price, and as I got older, some of the other guys - (Steve) Nash and Jason Kidd, are probably the guys I watched in college.

As to where he sees himself in 5 to 10 years:

Honestly, I still have no idea. I think initially I'll go home and I'll discuss things with my wife and kids. I'll stay involved in the game somehow, even if it's coaching my son's AAU team. Maybe get involved in high school basketball. Five to 10 years? Maybe I'll get back in the NBA, on the front office side or coaching. I just don't know yet.

How his time in Detroit has played out so far:

Yeah, things have pretty much gone as expected. Coach Van Gundy and I, from the beginning, kind of discussed my role and how it would change. He was dead on about how things have gone. When there's a line of communication with your coach, it makes things a lot easier. He's always communicated with me well, and I've enjoyed living here, the staff has been great. Yeah, it's been another great experience with another NBA team.

Blake has certainly settled in with the Pistons after facing an uncertain future at the beginning of the season. Despite having some off games, the NBA veteran has certainly had a steadying effect on the second unit, and Stan Van Gundy has put his trust in the 35-year-old to help out Reggie Jackson as the team makes a push for the playoffs.

Tweet of the Week

Hell of a work out tonight with the legend "iceman" and my brother @tobias31 pic.twitter.com/vtFYhfnf2B

— Andre Drummond (@AndreDrummondd) March 2, 2016