DETROIT >> When Tobias Harris signed with the Pistons in July, he knew he was entering an intriguing situation. The Pistons had just concluded their worst season in franchise history, with 68 losses, and the consensus was that Detroit was destined for another losing season.

However, Harris saw something more when he signed with the team. He and his father, Torrel, looked at the roster and talent with a sense that the playoffs were a possibility.

“That’s one thing me, Trajan (Langdon, Pistons president) and my dad joked about, this isn’t a rebuild,” Harris said. “That was said early on. There was a lot of great talent. Coming into any situation, you don’t throw too many expectations that early. But personally, my goal was to make the playoffs and do whatever I could to help the team win.”

Harris’ belief would turn out to be prophetic. The Pistons would embark on a memorable turnaround during the regular season, becoming the first team in league history to triple their win total from the previous year while qualifying for the postseason.

Nine months after signing as a free agent, Harris has played a significant role in the Pistons entering Thursday’s Game 3 matchup against the New York Knicks with the first-round series tied at 1. He has averaged 20 points on 58.3% shooting from the field, 9.5 rebounds and a block through the first two playoff games.

“For me, it is all about winning,” Harris said. “My teammates know what to expect from me on a night-to-night basis. They know what I bring to the table. At this time of year, being in the playoffs and playing playoff basketball, it’s all about the wins. Whatever is needed, that is what I am here to do. Help lead this group in the best way possible.”

As a 14-year veteran, Harris has excelled in every role he has been tasked with this season. However, taking the helm as the Pistons’ defensive stopper during their Game 2 victory at Madison Square Garden may have been his most impressive contribution.

In preparation for Monday night, coach J.B. Bickerstaff sought different ways to enhance the team’s defense and came up with an idea. He decided to assign Harris as the primary defender against New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns.

“He has been huge,” Pistons guard Cade Cunningham said. “He always brings a sense of calm to us. We can give him the ball and everything settles down. He does a bunch of everything for us. It has been good to have a guy like him with experience who can make plays.”

Bickerstaff’s adjustment was a stunning change, given that Towns was coming off a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds in the Knicks’ Game 1 win. He scored seven points on 3 of 5 shooting in the fourth quarter, which contributed to New York’s comeback victory.

Given his 6-foot-8 stature, Bickerstaff’s decision was even more surprising due to Harris giving up 4 inches to the 7-foot center. But in an attempt to limit the production of the All-Star big man, Bickerstaff believed Harris’ physicality and defensive IQ would help Detroit neutralize Towns’ play.

The decision led to Harris holding Towns to 10 points on 5-for-11 shooting in Game 2. Towns was also scoreless in the second half with three missed field-goal attempts.

“It’s his heart and fight,” Bickerstaff said. “His intelligence to understand the tendencies and know where your opponent is trying to get to. Tobias is a fighter. He doesn’t back down. He takes challenges. I believe he accepted this challenge, and I think he is doing well.”

Since being drafted as a first-round pick in 2011, Harris has consistently been recognized as a reliable scorer. At times, the reputation has overshadowed his talent as a solid defender.

Harris is not focused on proving his abilities to anyone outside the Pistons organization. It’s the team that not only gave him a home following his unceremonious exit from the Philadelphia 76ers, but also a franchise that shared the same optimistic view that it could develop into a playoff-caliber team by late April.

“I have a story and a journey, but I am also in a fabulous position to be here and to play for this organization,” Harris said. “To be in the playoffs this year, extremely blessed and thankful. I couldn’t ask for a better situation.”