The Detroit Pistons recently announced the waiving of guard Quincy Olivari, a move that occurred swiftly after his initial signing. This decision reflects the team's ongoing adjustments to its roster as it looks to solidify its guard lineup for the upcoming season. Olivari, a promising talent, now finds himself seeking new opportunities.
Detroit Pistons Make Roster Adjustments, Waive Quincy Olivari
In a rapid turn of events in the NBA, the Detroit Pistons have decided to part ways with guard Quincy Olivari, as first reported by HoopsHype. This decision was made on July 27, 2025, merely a day after Olivari joined the team, signaling a strategic shift in Detroit's backcourt plans.
Olivari, 24, went undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft. His brief stint with the Los Angeles Lakers saw him on a two-way contract, participating in two NBA games where he averaged 1.5 points. However, it was in the G League with the South Bay Lakers that Olivari truly demonstrated his capabilities, posting impressive averages of 17.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists across 31 appearances. He also displayed a respectable 34 percent three-point shooting efficiency on high volume, highlighting his scoring and playmaking potential.
Further showcasing his abilities, Olivari participated in the 2025 NBA Summer League with the Brooklyn Nets. There, he maintained an average of 16.7 points and 3.3 rebounds over three games, earning recognition for his consistent free-throw shooting, despite some variability in his perimeter game.
The Pistons, fresh off a successful 44-38 season—their first winning record since 2016—and a first-round playoff exit against the New York Knicks, are committed to building a formidable team around their core trio: Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson. The addition of veteran Caris LeVert and rookie draft pick Chaz Lanier (37th overall) further strengthens their guard rotation. Olivari's departure means the team's perimeter options now primarily include Cunningham, Lanier, Marcus Sasser, and the currently sidelined Jaden Ivey.
While his time with the Pistons was short-lived, Olivari's waiver maintains his eligibility for future G League assignments and potential NBA opportunities, allowing him to continue pursuing his professional basketball career.
The rapid acquisition and subsequent waiving of Quincy Olivari by the Detroit Pistons underscore the dynamic and often fluid nature of NBA roster management. For young, undrafted players like Olivari, every opportunity, no matter how brief, serves as a crucial platform to showcase their skills. His strong performances in the G League and Summer League indicate a promising future, and it is imperative for emerging talents to consistently prove their value and adapt to the ever-evolving demands of professional basketball. This situation also highlights the continuous strategic evaluations teams undertake to optimize their lineup, even if it means making swift and difficult decisions about promising individuals.
