Last year, the Detroit Pistons signed a handful of former Philadelphia 76ers players. Last season, the team added veteran guard Shake Milton to its squad for a short time. Milton joined the team one day before the 2024 NBA trade deadline in exchange for Monte Morris.

Following a 38-game stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Milton started four games for the Pistons. He averaged 16 minutes on the court, scoring seven points per game on 42 percent shooting from the field.

With the Pistons in the midst of a 14-win year, the team allowed the veteran guard to enter the free agent market and face a contender once again. About a month after being traded to Detroit, Milton agreed to terms with the Pistons. He joined the New York Knicks via free agency before heading to Brooklyn via sign-and-trade this past summer.

While Milton was making a fresh start for himself, the veteran guard saw several of his former teammates go to one of their final stops. During free agency in July, the Pistons signed Tobias Harris to a two-year contract. Milton has played alongside Harris since his second season in the league.

Knowing what he knows about the Pistons and the young players in the organization, the 28-year-old veteran sees great benefits in having Harris on the rebuilding roster.

“I mean, Tobias is such a pro,” Milton said. pistons in SI. “So, he will help get what the team needs.”

Since his first season with the Sixers, Harris has been praised not only for his leadership, but especially for his ability to adapt to any situation and adjust his role accordingly. While Harris received a lot of criticism from the outside for the fact that his stats often didn’t match his salary figure while working on a max deal, those within the organization always had a positive outlook when it came to Harris.

“Being around him, the young guys will be able to see how a professional operates and what it’s like to come in early and stay late,” added Milton. “Even off the field, Tobias is a guy who will be good to everyone around him, especially the guys in the locker room. I have no doubt about that.”

The Pistons are a young team that has lacked proper direction over the years. While many experienced vets have come and gone recently, they have struggled to find consistent leadership. When Trajan Langdon and the front office invested $52 million in Harris last summer, they did so with the intention of keeping Harris as a core player while trying to turn it into a more competitive franchise in the coming years.

So far, the Pistons have enjoyed Harris’ presence. Harris has been effective in many areas for the Pistons, as the veteran forward is still adjusting to a role where he can move up the offensive line.

Harris averaged 12 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists in six games with Detroit. On Sunday, the Pistons and Nets will meet for the first time since Milton and Harris found new homes in the offseason.