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The Pistons have signed center Johnny Hamilton to a one year deal that is partially guaranteed, according to Alex Kennedy.
Sources: Johnny Hamilton, a center from the University of Texas at Arlington, has signed a partially guaranteed one-year deal with the Detroit Pistons.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 31, 2018
Hamilton also confirmed the signing himself on his Twitter account.
What a day to be alive. Thanks to the almighty, my family and coaches for having my back and helping me grow into the man I am today. I couldn’t do it without y’all. Thanks to the @detroitpistons for granting my first opportunity to be a Professional Athlete. pic.twitter.com/qByJ95cNP8
— Johnny Hamilton (@johnny_tall) July 31, 2018
Hamilton played on the Pistons during the Las Vegas Summer League after going undrafted in the 2018 draft. He wasn’t a starter for the team, but looked like the best center on their roster. Hamilton is seven feet tall and weighs 230 pounds, so he brings some size to the Pistons frontcourt.
Hamilton started his college career at Virginia Tech where he played sparingly in two seasons before transferring to the University of Texas-Arlington where he was given an opportunity to play. He averaged 11.1 points per game last season and 8.1 rebounds while shooting 63 percent from the field. He can also protect the rim a bit as he averaged 2.3 blocks.
Hamilton is a rim runner who cannot do much else on offense and will likely be a pretty similar player to Eric Moreland, who the Pistons released in July.
Since the deal is partially guaranteed, Hamilton is likely just a training camp body who the Pistons will try to sign to play for the Grand Rapids Drive once the season starts. The Pistons did not opt to use their final two-way contract on him which likely means they feel he needs a bit more development.