Pistons' top pick Johnson getting tested by NBA grind

ORLANDO – Stanley Johnson sounds like a straight shooter.

After two consecutive days of two-a-day workouts and another workout Friday morning, the Detroit Pistons' first-round pick was asked how his legs were holding up.

"Terrible, honestly," Johnson said at the Barnett Park gymnasium on the eve of the team's summer-league opener. "It's been pretty long."

It's a long way from the University of Arizona, where Johnson led the team in scoring in his one season.

The 19-year-old small forward is growing accustomed to the rigors of professional basketball and is playing against second-rounders and free agents fighting to keep the NBA dream alive.

As a first-round draft pick, his near-term survival is assured, but early struggles adjusting to NBA demands are routine for rookies.

He has looked good in open-floor situations, pulling off advanced moves. He will be used mostly at small forward over the five games in Orlando.

But Johnson admits there is an adjustment period.

"Just getting used to everything," Johnson said. "I think it's a lot faster at this level, and there's different reads to certain things, and you have to get used to stuff like that. It's making sure I'm used to stuff, making sure my reads are right."

■ Pistons add depth with Baynes: Thursday's acquisition of Marcus Morrisin a trade with the Phoenix Suns overshadowed the Pistons' first move of free agency.

Earlier in the day, the team agreed on a three-year contract with former San Antonio Spurs center Aron Baynes, according to a person with knowledge of the negotations who requested anonymity because the deal can't be signed until Thursday when the free-agency moratorium ends.

It's looking like the deal will be in the range of $5 million to 6 million per year, so it's definitely pricey, but the Pistons get their backup center.

Baynes, a 28-year-old from New Zealand, is listed at 6-feet-10 and 260 pounds. He averaged nearly 15 points and 10 rebounds in 36 minutes last season and shot 86.5% from the free-throw line.

He has an effective midrange jumper and is a solid defender but struggles against smaller guards in pick-and-roll situations.

■ Notes: Morris was in a Phoenix court room Tuesday — along with twin brother Markieff — to answer felony assault charges related to a January incident, according to published reports.

Markieff reacts to brother getting traded to Pistons

The twins pleaded not guilty in May, and Tuesday was basically procedural. The next court date is Aug. 3. …

The Pistons have filled two starting positions this off-season without breaking the bank, which will make it easier when Reggie Jackson's contract extension kicks in this upcoming season and when Andre Drummond's extension starts for 2016-17. Forwards Ersan Ilyasova and Morris will combine to make around $13 million for the next two seasons.

Contact Vince Ellis at vellis@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @vincent_ellis56.

Five things to watch

Sports writer Vince Ellis lists five things to watch during summer league:

Rookie watch

After not having a rookie in the summer league in 2014, fans will get a glimpse at first-rounder Stanley Johnson.

Spencer's time

Second-year PG Spencer Dinwiddie hopes to ease concerns over Brandon Jennings'

ruptured Achilles.

2nd-round focus

Second-rounder Darrun Hilliard has impressed in practices. Can it carry over?

Q's chance

Quincy Miller is fighting for a roster spot, but a broken nose casts summer-league doubt.

Mystery man

D-Leaguer Adonis Thomas looks the part, and don't count him out of the mix for a roster spot.

Pistons' summer league roster