The domino effect of Reggie Jackson’s preseason knee injury made Beno Udrih a last-minute Piston. Stan Van Gundy wanted a veteran to serve as Ish Smith’s backup while Jackson recuperated and that meant waiting out NBA roster cuts. When Miami shook loose Udrih, the Pistons pounced.
But it meant Udrih had just one practice before the Oct. 26 season opener at Toronto. It seemed logical Udrih would request a cram session to pick the brain of Smith and learn the nuances of Van Gundy’s system or preferences and idiosyncrasies of the players now his teammates.
Instead, less than 24 hours after shaking hands, Udrih was guiding Smith.