The Detroit Pistons have signed center Ugonna Onyenso to a two-way contract after selecting him with the 53rd overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
The move gives Detroit another developmental frontcourt prospect as the franchise looks to build on a 60-22 season that produced the Eastern Conference’s best regular-season record before ending with a seven-game second-round playoff loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Onyenso arrives in Detroit after a winding four-year college career that included stops at Kentucky, Kansas State and Virginia. The 7-footer showed steady offensive improvement throughout his collegiate career while maintaining the rim-protection skills that made him an NBA prospect.
As a senior at Virginia in 2025-26, Onyenso averaged 6.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 blocks in 18.6 minutes across 36 games. He shot 56.8% from the field, added 10 three-pointers on 36 attempts and converted 72.7% of his free throws, marking the most complete offensive season of his college career.
His shot-blocking remained his defining strength. Onyenso recorded 105 blocks in 669 minutes at Virginia, averaging nearly three blocks per game despite playing fewer than 19 minutes per contest. Across 100 career college games, he totaled 208 blocks while shooting 57.8% from the field.
Detroit’s frontcourt has undergone notable changes since the season ended. The Pistons acquired John Collins from the Los Angeles Clippers in a sign-and-trade that sent Tobias Harris to San Antonio in free agency. The club also traded Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies, creating additional depth opportunities behind All-NBA center Jalen Duren, who remains a restricted free agent but is widely expected to stay with the organization.
Duren is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and shooting 65.0% from the field while earning All-Star and All-NBA Third Team honors. Paul Reed remains on the roster after averaging 7.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in a reserve role last season, but Onyenso gives Detroit another young interior defender to develop through its NBA and G League programs.
The Pistons have also been active elsewhere this offseason. In addition to acquiring Collins, Detroit traded for sharpshooter Isaiah Joe from the Oklahoma City Thunder, re-signed Kevin Huerter and selected Stanford point guard Ebuka Okorie with the 17th overall pick after maneuvering on draft night.
For Onyenso, a two-way contract provides an opportunity to earn NBA minutes while continuing his development with the Motor City Cruise. Players on two-way deals can split time between the NBA roster and G League affiliate, giving Detroit flexibility as it evaluates its young talent throughout the 2026-27 season.
