DETROIT >> Paul Reed has been an unexpected gift to the Detroit Pistons.

They waived him on Dec. 14 for financial purposes and re-signed him two days later. The decision gave the franchise a chance to move off his original $7.7 million deal, which would have become fully guaranteed in January.

“We love Paul,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “His approach has been fabulous. He’s been a great teammate. … The relationships that we have are big-time and important to help us get through situations like that, because we understand that’s not easy, but we hope that we’ve done enough so that he feels comfortable being with us. And obviously, Paul does.”

Although Reed’s departure and reunion was brief, his roster addition came in the nick of time. Three hours after re-joining the team, backup big man Isaiah Stewart suffered a hyperextended left knee. The injury happened in the second quarter of the Pistons’ 125-124 overtime victory against the Miami Heat.

Stewart’s injury left a significant vacancy within Bickerstaff’s rotation. He has taken the helm as Detroit’s defensive anchor and best post defender. Stewart’s average of 1.3 blocks ranks ninth in the league among reserve players.

However, Reed has been essential in helping Bickerstaff replace Stewart’s production. He has played a vital role in the Pistons’ recent success, helping Detroit go 3-1 since entering the lineup.

“For me, it’s always been about being active and playing with a high motor,” Reed told The Detroit News. “My goal is to be there for my teammates and coaches, doing all of the little things for us to get a win.”

Reed began the season with an inconsistent role. Prior to Stewart’s injury, he recorded 14 DNPs in the first 26 games. He has since played an average of 16.0 minutes, averaging six points on 61.1% shooting, and grabbed 4.3 rebounds. On Dec. 19, during the Pistons’ home loss to the Utah Jazz, Reed had his best game of the season, finishing with 12 points and nine rebounds at Little Caesars Arena.

Reed’s offensive contributions have concurred with Ron Holland’s assessment during training camp. Holland admitted that he did not know who Reed was at the start of the team’s offseason training sessions. But after the first few practices, Holland realized that the veteran forward was “really good.”

However, Reed’s most noteworthy impact has come on the defensive end. He has recorded at least a block or a steal in each of the previous three games, with averages of 2.3 steals and 1.7 blocks. In Monday’s 117-114 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, Reed notched a season-high three steals and two blocks. His presence helped the Pistons force the Lakers into one of their most subpar offensive performances with 20 turnovers.

“It’s all about being professional,” Reed said. “Even when your number isn’t getting called, you have to stay ready at all times. That’s part of being a professional, always staying ready, day in and day out. Even more so when you have no idea when that opportunity will come.”

Stewart is progressing in his recovery from his hyperextended knee, and Bickerstaff hopes to have his backup big man back “sooner rather than later.”

Although Stewart will revert to his primary role, Reed’s play has demonstrated that the Pistons’ roster has significant depth during their pursuit of a resurgence. When Reed rejoined the team ahead of their home contest against the Heat, Bickerstaff described the reunion as “big-time.” A week and a half later, Reed carved out a prominent role in Detroit.

“We trust Paul,” Bickerstaff said. “Not just what he has done here, but when you go back and look at what he did in Philadelphia, you see how he can impact the game. He understands what we are trying to do. He has earned our trust.”