East Lansing — On one side of the gym at Breslin Center, Pistons rookie Sekou Doumbouya was shooting free throws; on the other, Joe Johnson was getting treatment — both finishing their first day of training camp.
It was an interesting juxtaposition: an 18-year-old rookie and an 18-year veteran, both looking to make good first impressions for coach Dwane Casey. Doumbouya, the first-round pick, will have his time; Johnson is looking to extend his.
It’s a familiar routing for Johnson, who sat out last season but didn’t forget how to ride the proverbial bike. He’s in a competition for the final roster spot; however, if he makes the roster, he likely would have a bigger role than just the typical 15th man.