Roundup
Detroit Pistons
Milwaukee Bucks
Indiana Pacers
Charlotte Hornets
Minnesota Timberwolves
Duncan Robinson powering Pistons’ early surge — Central Division roundup
No games yesterday in the Central Division, but the Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers still made off-court news.
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There were no games on the schedule for Central Division teams yesterday, but there was still plenty happening around the Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, and Indiana Pacers.
Duncan Robinson locks in role with Pistons
According to Hoops Rumors, Duncan Robinson no longer has to worry about his short-term future with the Pistons, even though his $16MM salary for this season doesn’t become fully guaranteed until January 10. The outlet notes that he has quickly carved out a major role, averaging 19.7 points, 2.3 assists, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game during what it describes as Detroit’s 3-0 start. In the current standings, the Pistons sit at 3-1, good enough to lead the Central Division for now.
In a division where no team has pulled away yet — Cleveland is 2-1, Indiana 2-2, while Chicago and Milwaukee sit at 1-3 — Robinson’s early scoring punch is helping set the tone for Detroit’s opening stretch.
Bucks tied to Muggsy Bogues jersey retirement night
The Milwaukee Bucks will be on hand in Charlotte for a historic night. Hoops Rumors, citing an Associated Press report, relays that the Hornets will retire Muggsy Bogues’ No. 1 jersey on February 11, with the ceremony taking place at halftime of a home game against the Bucks. After honoring Dell Curry last season, Charlotte will now raise Bogues’ number to the rafters. For Milwaukee, off to a 1-3 start, that visit will carry both emotional weight and on-court importance.
Former Pacers rookie Enrique Freeman returns to Wolves
As for the Indiana Pacers, the main note involves a former player resurfacing elsewhere. Hoops Rumors reports that forward Enrique Freeman, the 50th pick in the 2024 draft, has agreed to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves on a new two-way deal, just 10 days after being waived by the team. Freeman spent his rookie season with the Pacers before signing with Minnesota.
Meanwhile, the Pacers remain in the middle of the Central pack at 2-2. The Chicago Bulls (1-3) and Cleveland Cavaliers (2-1) were quiet over the past 24 hours, but with the standings still tightly bunched, a single strong week could reshape the early divisional picture.