{"id":324188,"date":"2026-06-30T02:55:11","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T02:55:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/324188\/"},"modified":"2026-06-30T02:55:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T02:55:11","slug":"detroit-udfa-signee-orlando-thomas-unique-path-to-the-nba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/324188\/","title":{"rendered":"Detroit UDFA Signee Orlando Thomas’ Unique Path to the NBA"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Detroit Pistons<\/a> had an impressive regular season campaign in 2025-26.<\/p>\n

After winning 44 games in 2024-25, JB Bickerstaff’s team notched 60 wins the following year, earning the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.<\/p>\n

Despite its success, though, Detroit struggled in the postseason, winning a seven-game series against the Orlando Magic before being eliminated in the second round by the Cleveland Cavaliers.<\/p>\n

Part of the Pistons’ struggles came from Jalen Duren’s significant dip in production during the playoffs, while the team also lacked consistent scoring and perimeter shooting outside of Cade Cunningham.<\/p>\n

In the 2026 NBA Draft, the team added another offensive creator in Stanford freshman Ebuka Okorie<\/a>, and signed sharpshooter Orlando Thomas as an undrafted free agent<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Thomas had one of the most unique paths to the NBA in the 2026 class, playing for Langston, an NAIA program in Oklahoma, as a senior. With the Lions, the 6-foot-2 guard averaged 15.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 42.3% from 3-point range.<\/p>\n

Langston moves on to the NAIA Elite Eight after a 56-55 win over Oklahoma Wesleyan! Take a look at the game winner late in the game. Thanks to our outstanding partner Urban Edge Network! #TheRightWayToPlay<\/a> @LangstonSports<\/a> @UrbanEdgeTv<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/2mVFqCd4lX<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 The Sooner Athletic Conference (@Sooner_Athletic) March 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Thomas helped Langston reach the 2026 NAIA title game, where the Pistons’ signee notched a game-high 20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals, shooting 6-of-11 from the field, 1-of-4 from beyond the arc and 7-of-8 from the free throw line.<\/p>\n

Thomas earned Second-Team All-American honors at the NAIA level for his efforts.<\/p>\n

The Lions’ standout began his college career with two seasons at Quincy University, a Division II program, before transferring to Webber International University, an NAIA school, for his junior year.<\/p>\n

While it is unlikely that the UDFA makes an impact for the Pistons as a rookie, there is a chance for Thomas to earn a spot in Detroit’s organization. Playing with the Pistons’ Summer League team gives the Langston star an opportunity to impress the team’s coaching staff and potentially land on the G League roster. <\/p>\n

Thomas’ shooting ability and defensive disruption could make him a good developmental piece for the Motor City Cruise, Detoit’s G League affiliate. The Pistons seem to value solid defenders, and need more consistent perimeter shooters on the roster. <\/p>\n

There’s a strong chance Thomas never reaches the NBA, like most undrafted free agents, but signing a player with his skill set for the Summer League and potentially to the G League roster is a low-risk gamble for the Pistons. <\/p>\n

Detroit recently addressed its perimeter shooting by trading for Isaiah Joe and resigning Kevin Huerter, but Thomas could be a steal on a cheaper contract if he develops into an NBA player over the coming years.<\/p>\n

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