Detroit — Acting coach Rex Kalamian cracked a smile when he was asked about the trade that sent veteran guard Rodney McGruder to the Denver Nuggets for Bol Bol.
Along with the smile came some effusive praise for McGruder, 30, who joined the Pistons in free agency before last season. Before Kalamian said anything about Bol, he wanted to give McGruder his due.
"This is the third time I've coached him: I coached him early in Oklahoma City. I had him with the Los Angeles Clippers a couple of years ago and now, here in Detroit, and he is the ultimate professional," said Kalamian, filling in for Pistons head coach Dwane Casey, who is in the NBA's health and safety protocols.