Top Five College Prospects For Detroit Pistons

Typically at Piston Powered we cover what we’ve learned from the Detroit Pistons over the past week, but what have we really learned about the team this week? Stan Van Gundy refuses to give up on the season based on his rotations? That this is the worst Pistons team in franchise history to this point?

We could discuss the laundry list of issues thats plagued the Pistons this season, but I think there’s been enough negative this week for Pistons’ fans. Instead, I decided to end the week on a positive and take a look at what the future could hold for the team in the 2015 NBA draft as a nice change of pace.

Below is an early power ranking for the five college prospects that could find themselves on the Pistons’ radar:

5. Jahlil Okafor, PF/C, Freshman, Duke

In the case of Greg Monroe’s departure and/or a Josh Smith trade, the Pistons would be left awfully thin at power forward. While Pistons’ fans probably aren’t very thrilled with the idea of adding another big man similar to Monroe, Okafor is just too good of a prospect not to consider.

4. Stanley Johnson, 6’7, 245 lbs, SF, Freshman, Arizona

My favorite player in college basketball by far, Johnson is a freak athlete with tremendous upside on each side of the ball. He displays above average handles, is a solid rebounder, and attacks the rim about as well as anyone in college basketball right now. At 6’7, 245 lbs, he’s got an NBA build and could be an immediate contributor on defense and in transition.

While Johnson would fill a need for the Pistons, his outside shot at the next level remains a question, and he certainly isn’t the most NBA ready player in the class so it’s hard to move him up any higher at this point.

If you want to check out Johnson’s athleticism for yourself just watch this video.

3. Justise Winslow, 6’6, 230lbs, SG/SF, Freshman, Duke

Another solid option for the Pistons in terms of need and fit, Winslow is a two-way player that could play alongside Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and fill the void at small forward for the Pistons. Winslow, while a great athlete, doesn’t quite have the upside that Stanley Johnson possess, but has more of an NBA ready game.

2.Myles Turner, 6’11, 240 lbs, PF/C, Freshman, Texas

Miles Turner is probably the ideal type player to pair alongside Andre Drummond. While he’s an above average shot blocker and solid rebounder, you draft Turner for his ability to stretch the defense with his excellent outside shot– something you hardly ever see from big men with his athleticism.

What I like most about Turner is his defense. Rarely do you find a big man with an outside shot, but it’s even rarer to find one that has the athleticism he possesses and plays defense at the level he does. Right now the only knock on Tuner’s game is his slim frame. At 240 lbs he could stand to gain 20-30 lbs.

By the time the draft roles around we may very well be talking a bout Turner being the number one player on most G.M.’s boards.

1. Emmanuel Mudiay, 6’5, 200 lbs, PG, China

Mudiay decided to forgo his freshman year at SMU under the tutelage of ex-Piston coach Larry Brown and instead try his game in China for the Guangdong Southern Tigers.

So far so good for Mudiay who’s averaging 19-points, 6-rounds, and 6-assists.

While most NBA scouts probably didn’t like that Mudiay decided to forgo a year in college, I think the success he’s having in such a different atmosphere shows his level of maturity, and playing against professional athletes who have been perfecting their craft for years should prepare him well for the NBA.

When I think about the Pistons needs and the position on the court that can make the most impact I think of a point guard and one with Mudiay’s skill set.

Mudiay is in the mold of John Wall, Russell Westbrook, and Derrick Rose, in terms of the blend of size, speed, and athleticism, but probably favors John Wall the most based on style of play. Mudiay isn’t the best jump shooter (although he’s already improving his shot overseas) but he’s an excellent facilitator, finisher at the rim, rebounder, and defender.

With what the Pistons have in Drummond and Caldwell-Pope, the best way to maximize their talent is to add a player who can make both better and Mudiay is that player.