Detroit Pistons Make Roster Move Ahead of Matchup vs. Pacers

The Pistons free up a roster spot.

The Detroit Pistons cut a player loose on Wednesday afternoon. 

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pistons waived rookie guard Malcolm Cazalon.

This season, Cazalon joined the Pistons as an undrafted prospect, coming from overseas. Born in France, Cazalon had pro basketball experience for multiple clubs before making the transition to the NBA in 2023.

In 2018, he competed with JL Bourg of the LNB Pro A league. He had a stint in Belgium, competing with the Leuven Bears in 2019. 

After his three-year run with JL Bourg’s club, Cazalon signed with Mega Bemax in Serbia. During the 2021 pre-draft process, Cazalon initially planned to take the NBA route early. However, he didn’t follow through with those plans until two years later.

With the Pistons, Cazalon had just one appearance this year. His NBA debut came on November 5, when the Pistons dropped a matchup against the Phoenix Suns. Cazalon checked into the game for a little over two minutes. He didn’t register any stats during that time.

For the majority of the year, Cazalon competed with Detroit’s NBA G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise. He had 14 appearances during the regular season, garnering starts in half of those matchups. With an average of 27 minutes per game, the French guard averaged ten points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal per game. 

He knocked down 35 percent of his shots from the field, 35 percent of his threes on 5.8 attempts per game, and 80 percent of his free throws.

By parting ways with Cazalon, the Pistons opened up a two-way slot on their roster, alongside guards Jared Rhoden and Stanley Umude.