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Scouts take on prospects who the Detroit Pistons could draft

By Braden Shackelford

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 13, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) throws a no look over the head pass against Purdue Boilermakers center A.J. Hammons (20) during the Big Ten conference tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Denzel Valentine (45) throws a no look over the head pass against Purdue Boilermakers center A.J. Hammons (20) during the Big Ten conference tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

The Detroit Pistons have been linked to many players in the 2016 NBA draft. That’s not too shocking considering the Pistons are selecting at 18.

Who will the Detroit Pistons take with their first round pick? The NBA draft is only hours away and we still don’t have a definitive answer, but we do have an idea of who should be on the board.

Perception or reality? This is often the debate we have during offseason where the media projects how good prospects will become and where players will land.

To get a better idea the true reality, we will look to Seth Davis’ recently article where he talks with “Finch” an anonymous NBA scout who gives his take on some of the prospects being mocked to the Detroit Pistons.

I strongly encourage you to read the entire article from Davis and Finch–this is some good stuff.

Finch on Thon Maker

"Thon Maker, 7’1″ center, Australia/Sudan: “Enigma. You’re going to have to deal with the people that are around him who have controlled his life the last year so he didn’t compete much at all. I’ve only seen him work out once and seen him practice twice at Hoop Summit and play in the games there. We’re not allowed in high school gyms so I couldn’t see him more than that. He’s not gonna get super strong because he’s got a tiny waist. He can handle a bit, he’s not a bad shooter. I know his life has been dysfunctional, but I hear he’s a terrific kid. I saw him in the New York workout, and he was more impressive than I thought he would be. He could be a great player down the line.”"

Finch on Denzel Valentine

"Denzel Valentine, 6’6″ senior guard, Michigan State: “Stone cold winner. Great leader, high IQ. How good of an athlete is he, and how much better will he get? And then how are his knees? I don’t think he has a really high ceiling but he’s smart, he can play pick and roll and he can shoot the hell out of the basketball. One-on-one defense is going to be a struggle at times for him. He’s an elite passer—not good, elite. I don’t think anybody is confident he’d be a great defender, but you like the progress he’s made with his jump shot over the years. He’s not incredibly quick to get his own shot. I think he’d be a good piece on a winning team, like [Warriors guard] Shaun Livingston.”"

Finch on Demetrius Jackson

"Demetrius Jackson, 6’2″ junior guard, Notre Dame: “He’s tough. Been though a lot in his personal background that he’s overcome. He has steeliness to him. Can play pick and roll and get into the paint. I always wondered why he wasn’t more aggressive. I’m not sure he has the makeup to really lead your team. I think he could be a third guard. If he’s floating around at 20, 21, you’re going to get a really good player. He checks a lot of boxes.”"

Next: four more prospect scouting reports

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