The Detroit Pistons have signed free-agent center Viacheslav Kravtsov to a multi-year contract.
Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Kravtsov, who turns 25 next month, got his only North American exposure when he played for the Celtics summer-league team in 2010. He spent last season with league champion BC Donetsk of the Ukranian Superleague, averaging 10.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. He's a three-time All-Star in the Ukranian Superleague and a member of the Ukranian national team.
With the Pistons, he will provide insurance for Andre Drummond. They are the same type of player — big shot-blockers with limited offensive skills — but Kravtsov is six years older and more physically mature. He'll also have the advantage of a familiar face on the Pistons sidelines — assistant coach Brian Hill coached him on the Ukranian national team.
"We are pleased to add Viacheslav Kravtsov to our roster and welcome him to the organization," said Joe Dumars, Pistons president of basketball operations. "He's a young player with good size, rebounding and shot-blocking ability. He will provide us with some quality depth at the center position."
The move gives Detroit a full 15-player roster. That means they would have to cut someone if Ben Wallace decides to return.
