The Detroit Pistons today announced the assignment of Alex Acker and Walter Sharpe to their NBA Development League affiliate the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

Acker and Sharpe are the 16th and 17th NBA players assigned to their NBA D-League affiliate this season.

THE 15th MAN!!!

What’s Going On World?

John W. Davis here.  The Pistons are suring up there roster.  The 15th man looks to be Alex Acker.

Pistons sign former pick Acker

Chris McCosky / The Detroit News

AUBURN HILLS — The Pistons will give Alex Acker every chance to earn the 15th and last roster spot.

They signed Acker, whom they took with the 60th pick in the 2005 draft, to a partially guaranteed one-year deal Monday morning. It could be worth up to $687,000.

The Pistons also will hold an option for the 2009-2010 season.

Acker, who at 6-foot-5 can play both guard positions, played in Europe the past two seasons. He averaged 14.6 points and 5.6 rebounds for Olympiacos in 2006-2007 and, despite nagging knee problems, averaged 6.7 points last season with FC Barcelona.

He played in five games with the Pistons in 2005-2006.

Do you like Acker?  I know I like his size.  I know he will compete from 3rd string PG and SG minutes.  Right now he is the 15th and having another young player to compete day in and day out can’t hurt.  What to expect from him? No one knows.  I just hope his knee is healed up so he can make the best of this great opportunity.

Peace,

John W. Davis

www.pistonscast.com