National Basketball Association

Detroit Pistons Darrun Hilliard says back is "good to go"

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Detroit Pistons think Darrun Hilliard can be a solid rotational player for them this season. After injuring his back prior to the Orlando Summer League, Hilliard says he is now having, “no problems”.

Detroit Pistons‘ shooting guard Darrun Hilliard worked on changing his body this offseason, cutting out the sweets and hitting the gym hard. The results were noticeable–a more beefy and toned body–but he ended up overdoing it, injuring his back.

What was initially thought to be a stress fracture, now appears less serious as Hilliard says he’s feeling good heading into training camp.

Hilliard via Detroit Free Press:

“I got no problems with the back or anything like that,” Hilliard said at the Pistons’ practice facility in Auburn Hills. “I think it was just a lesson on me to learn my body and knowing when to rest, when to work out and when not to work out, when to chill.

“I’m fully recovered. I don’t have to get another MRI or anything like that. The doctor said everything was good to go. Just stick with the protocol, and everything will be fine.”

This is great news.

When we first heard about the injury, my initial thoughts were that he would be shut down this season–back injuries are nothing to take lightly.

Hilliard says he’s fully recovered. I hope that’s true–if he performs well, the Pistons will be extremely deep at shooting guard with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope starting, and Stanley Johnson filling in spot minutes at the position.

If things go south in extension talks with Caldwell-Pope, the Pistons will feel much better knowing that they have solid options behind him in Johnson and Hilliard.

For a second year, second round pick, expectations are high for Hilliard thanks to what he showed in spurts during his rookie year.

Going into training camp healthy–particularly after such a set back–is huge.