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Pistons claim Shawne Williams off waivers

Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Stan Van Gundy loves him a power forward who can shoot.

The Detroit Pistons claimed Shawne Williams off waivers Tuesday, the team announced.

Williams had been dealt from the Miami Heat to the New Orleans Pelicans at the trade deadline as part of the Goran Dragic three-team deal, with the Pelicans subsequently waiving him and the remainder of his $1.2-million salary for the season. 

In claiming Williams rather than waiting for him to clear waivers and sign him, the Pistons assume the remainder of that salary but ensure they don't have to compete with other interested teams.

The Pistons had a roster spot open, are safely below the luxury tax and could use another combo forward, so the claim makes some sense. Williams will compete with Quincy Miller and Anthony Tolliver for backup minutes at either forward spot.

In 44 games with Miami, Williams was averaging 6.6 points and 3.2 rebounds while hitting 39.5 percent of his 3-point attempts. A career 34.5 percent outside shooter, Williams doesn't bring a ton to the table when his shot isn't falling, but Van Gundy values spacing so highly that he's worth a flier.

Detroit will be Williams' seventh NBA team in seven seasons, and he could head to an eighth as a restricted free agent this summer.

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