Jason Maxiell "looks in terrific shape," according to Pistons beat writer Keith Langlois.

Langlois adds that Maxiell is "as lean as I've ever seen him through upper body and waist." It makes sense that Maxiell would prepare himself well as he's entering a contract season, but we're not expecting him to suddenly make a dramatic jump of any kind, especially given the presence of Andre Drummond.

The Detroit Free Press expects Jason Maxiell to be "motivated" because he's in a contract season.

Our question is what players aren't motivated to perform during their contract season? Maxiell started 42 games last season, averaging 7.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 0.9 blocks on 49.8 percent shooting in 25 minutes per game. The drafting of Andre Drummond is just one thing that could very well eat into Maxiell's playing time this season, limiting Maxiell's already low fantasy ceiling even further.

Jason Maxiell has opted in with the Pistons, meaning he will play there in the upcoming season before becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Of course, he could still be traded at some point, but odds are Maxiell will be back in the mix for the Pistons, which would likely limit minutes for a rookie power forward, if they draft one.

Jason Maxiell is still mulling over whether to pick up his $5 million player option for next season to come back to the Pistons.

Maxiell became a starter for the Pistons after the All-Star Break last season, averaging 7.6 points and 5.5 rebounds from that point forward. It's hard to imagine Maxiell getting more than $5 million annually in a new deal from a new team, but taking advantage of his somewhat solid season and receiving a longer overall deal could be the best long-term move for him.

Pistons president Joe Dumars said that he hopes Jason Maxiell picks up his $5 million player option for next season.

Maxiell played swimmingly for a beached franchise this year (Detroit went 25-41), and he seems ready to test the free agent waters. He recently hired agent Andy Miller, so we can't rule out a mega payday -- Miller got Brendan Haywood $52.3 million/six years, Andray Blatche $35.7 million/five years, and made post-knee-surgery Kenyon Martin the highest-paid player in the history of the Chinese Basketball Association.

Jason Maxiell will come off the bench for the Pistons on Thursday.

Ben Wallace is sliding into the starting lineup and there was never a chance Greg Monroe would be benched to accommodate that move. For what it's worth, Maxiell previously said he was "undecided" about returning to Detroit next season.

Jaxon Maxiell scored 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting with seven rebounds, two blocks, and two steals in just under 30 minutes on Monday.

Maxiell has averaged just 6.4 points, 4.6 boards, 0.6 steals, and 1.0 blocks in his last five games. Owners in deep leagues may choose to gamble on him for blocks in the Pistons' remaining game, but there are likely better options.

Jason Maxiell is undecided on picking up his player option for next season.

Maxiell would leave a guaranteed $5 million on the table if he declined the option. The 29-year-old said he'll talk with management before making a decision in the offseason.

Jason Maxiell hit all eight of his field goal attempts against the woeful Bobcats on Thursday, scoring 17 points with five rebounds, two turnovers, and no other stats in 19 minutes.

This looks like a serviceable line but it needs to be thrown out for evaluation purposes tonight. There are D-League teams that would probably be favored by Vegas in a game against the Bobcats.

Jason Maxiell scored just two points with three rebounds, one steal, and one block in 20 minutes on Friday.

If you were wondering if Max could establish any real fantasy value after a few good games, the answer is no. Jonas Jerebko posted 10 points with three rebounds, two blocks, and a 3-pointer, but is just as inconsistent as Max.

Jason Maxiell scored 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting with 11 rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 28 minutes on Thursday against the Wizards.

Max put up 15 points and a full line on Tuesday, and hits the fantasy radar in deeper leagues. Just keep his past inconsistency in mind if you're desperate for a big man in those formats. Timeshare partner Jonas Jerebko scored nine points with three boards, a steal, a block, and a three.

Jason Maxiell scored seven points on 3-of-4 shooting with four rebounds and one assist in Friday's loss to the Bulls.

Maxiell had 12 points, nine boards, and three blocks on Wednesday, but as you can see consistency isn't really his thing. He's still waiver wire fodder.

Jason Maxiell had 12 points, nine rebounds and three blocks in Wednesday's win.

He hasn't played well enough to be owned in most leagues, but came through tonight. And as a result, Jonas Jerebko, who played well in the last one, had just three points and four rebounds. Both guys are worth keeping an eye on, but neither is trustworthy right now.

Jason Maxiell missed all six of his field goal attempts on Friday, but grabbed seven boards and had one steal in 27 minutes.

Maxiell had a string of games earlier in the month that gave him some fantasy value, but he has returned to being waiver wire fodder since then.

Jason Maxiell blocked three shots on Monday, and added eight points on 3-of-7 shooting with four rebounds and one assist in 28 minutes.

Maxiell has provided late-round value over the last week, but he's really just a deep league option at best. He is averaging 11.8 points, 7.4 boards, 0.8 blocks, and 0.4 steals in his last five games.

Jason Maxiell posted a double-double on Friday, scoring 19 points to go along with 12 rebounds and two assists as the Pistons just edged the Hawks.

This is the third consecutive game that Maxiell has posted double-digits in scoring, and he is always a candidate to rack up major boards and blocks. Those in deeper leagues who were on the fence about adding him before tonight should probably make the move.

Jason Maxiell had 10 points and 10 rebounds in another start on Tuesday.

Maxiell is quietly averaging eight points, seven boards and a block over his last five games, and might be worth picking up in deeper leagues.

Jason Maxiell blocked four shots on Friday, and also chipped in with six points on 2-of-2 shooting with five rebounds, a steal, and an assist in 20 minutes.

He's starting, and in Maxiell's last four games he's averaging 25 minutes, 7.0 points, 6.5 boards, 0.5 steals, 2.0 blocks, and 61.9 percent field goal shooting. That's good for late round value, but it's anybody's guess if he can keep it up for those seeking blocks. Maxiell has reportedly lost weight, but been inconsistent all year.

Jason Maxiell's improved diet has helped to grow his role.

Maxiell is listed at 260, but came into training camp 20 lbs lighter than in previous seasons and it has drawn Lawrence Frank's attention. "It just talks about his commitment," Frank said. Maxiell is providing solid contributions for the Pistons in his last three games as a starter, averaging 7.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks on 45.8 percent shooting.

Jason Maxiell started at power forward and scored eight points on 4-of-9 shooting with 12 rebounds and two blocks in 37 minutes on Friday.

Maxiell is much too inconsistent for use in fantasy leagues, but if he continues to start and strings together lines like these we'll let you know.