Los Angeles — For about the past week or so, it’s been a progression of exercises and drills for Ish Smith.
Some light shooting one day. Some running and cutting another day. By Tuesday, the activity had ramped up to more game-like activity, including cutting and defensive drills. That appears to be one of the final rungs on the ladder to a potential return for Smith, who has been on the shelf since Dec. 5 because of a right groin tear.
The Pistons have struggled during Smith’s down time, going 4-12 since the injury, but he could return to the lineup during the current four-game trip.