Stanley Johnson was the right guy for the Detroit Pistons

 The Detroit Pistons selected Stanley Johnson with the eight overall pick in 2015’s NBA Draft. At the time, fans were infuriated as Detroit passed on Duke small forward Justise Winslow. Though, after watching Johnson perform for a year, the former Arizona star has proven he was, in fact, the right choice. 

2015’s NBA Draft was filled with star-studded talent. Nearly all mock drafts assumed the top six picks were set and it was only a matter of which team picked who first: Karl Anthony-Towns, Jahlil Okafor, D’Angelo Russell, Kristaps Porzingis, Emmanuel Mudiay, Justise Winslow.

As the draft began and the first seven picks were selected, it came to Detroit’s time to choose. Shockingly, Justise Winslow was still available and Detroit faced a prime opportunity to snag the top-six talent for a bargain. Piston fans broke out into a twitter frenzy, confident Winslow was coming to Detroit. Flash forward to a minute after the selection, and fans broke out into another Twitter frenzy. This time, they were upset. Stan Van Gundy and the Detroit Pistons passed on Justise Winslow and selected a small-forward out of Arizona:  Stanley Johnson.

At the time, many questioned why Detroit chose Johnson over Winslow. EVERYONE knew Justice Winslow as the Duke small-forward who lead his Blue Devils to a National Championship. Stanley Johnson, on the other hand, was just a star in Arizona; a guy too far from Detroit for many to know. Additionally, Winslow was a man amongst boys in college who could take it to the hole, lock up on defense, and lead a team to success. Why did Detroit pass?

More from Pistons News

• Which Detroit Pistons could save Team USA in the Olympics?
• Detroit Pistons could have major roster churn after 2023-24 season
• The best Detroit Pistons to wear each uniform number
• Full Detroit Pistons NBA 2K24 ratings
• Detroit Pistons: Who will sign the remaining NBA free agents?

Because Stan Van Gundy admired Johnson’s confidence and work ethic.

Stanley Johnson was, and always has been, a self-driven, hard-working player who, does not settle for sub-par results but seeks to be the best of the best. Fortunately for Johnson, such work ethic has granted him results: four high school state titles and one trip to an Elite 8 in 2015’s NCAA Tournament.

When picked by Detroit, Stanley Johnson confidently claimed he was the best player in the draft looking to win Rookie of the Year. This wasn’t arrogance, it was confidence. And that was the type of attitude Stan Van Gundy wanted on his roster.

In his rookie campaign, Stanley Johnson averaged 8.1 pts, 1.6 asts, and 4.2 rbs. As the numbers weren’t overwhelmingly impressive, Johnson’s defensive effort and spark off the bench made him invaluable. Johnson also proved to be a chemistry guy by buddying up with Andre Drummond along with the rest of the crew (as he has proven on social media).

Stanley Johnson further showed he was the right pick for Detroit when the rook’ had to defend LeBron James in the first round of the playoffs. After game two, Johnson called out King James. He stated James “jabbers” when up sixteen, that he was in James’s head and wasn’t afraid, and that James should be ready to play every night.

Related Story: The Detroit Pistons are now the best team in the city

Yes, these were bold statements for a rookie to make, but mostly great. Many rookies, even long-time players, would never openly challenge the best player in the World. But for Johnson to do so, face criticism, and actually body up the 6-foot-8, 250 lbs beast reveals guts, determination, and hunger: the character Detroit has come to love.

Now, on to year two in his NBA career, Johnson has continued to improve. During the recent Orlando summer league, Johnson used his time to work on driving left, pull-up shooting, and finishing at the basket. As he did struggle the first two games, he left Orlando on a high note: averaging 19 pts and 6.3 rbs during the last three games. After Orlando, Johnson has gone to participate in the Drew League on team ICEO with Andre Drummond.

If the former Arizona Wildcat continues to persistently play and improve, tremendous opportunities will open up for the 6-foot-7 small forward. Fortunately, with the confidence, determination, and drive Johnson possesses, those tremendous opportunities will arrive sooner than later.

Next: Stanley Johnson writes column for the Players' Tribune

And fortunately for Stan Van Gundy, he is able to watch his 2015 lottery pick continuously grow and contribute for his team without second guessing his choice he made during 2015’s NBA Draft night.