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Detroit Pistons 2015 NBA Draft Big Board

By Braden Shackelford

Dec 13, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Stanley Johnson (5) shoots the ball during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at McKale Center. Arizona won 80-53. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Stanley Johnson (5) shoots the ball during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at McKale Center. Arizona won 80-53. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2014; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; UCLA Bruins forward Kevon Looney (5) grabs a rebound in front of North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) during the game at Imperial Arena at Atlantis Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2014; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; UCLA Bruins forward Kevon Looney (5) grabs a rebound in front of North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) during the game at Imperial Arena at Atlantis Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

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Kevon Looney, UCLA, SF/PF, 6-9/220, Freshman

Stats: 31.1 MIN/G, 13.9 PPG, REB/G 11.2, AST/G 1.8 FG % 47.3 FG3 % 15.4 FT % 66.2

Looney drew some comparisons to Kevin Durant coming out of high school, because of his size and similar play, but Looney is much more of a raw prospect than Durant was coming out of high school as evident by his abysmal 3-point percentage, 15.4 % to Durant’s 40.4 %. He also isn’t as dynamic as Durant was the ball in his hands. If you’re looking for a more favorable comparison think Thaddeus Young.  Young was a better shooter at that stage while Looney is more athletic and a better rebounder, so it isn’t the perfect comparison, but it adds a little better perspective than the Durant comparison.

Looney makes the list specifically, because he could fill a potential need for the Pistons next season depending on what happens with Josh Smith and Greg Monroe. At this point, there’s no reason to think Looney would be in consideration for a top-5 selection, but he’s worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses.

Kristaps Porzingis, Baloncesto Sevilla (Latvia), 6-11/216, Freshman

Stats: 21 MIN/G, 9.53 PPG, REB/G 4.63, AST/G .68 FG % 47.2 FG3 % 43.6 FT % 73.7

Porzingis projects as a true stretch four in the NBA, but to emphasis his range, he’s even been used as a small forward overseas. He’s explosive, lengthy, displays solid body control, and runs the floor well. Not only does Porzingis have three-point range, but he can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim if not properly closed out on presenting an extremely unusual skill set for a seven footer. Also displays a nice pull up jumper when his defender beats him to a spot on the floor making it extremely difficult for defenders to take him out of the game.

Defensively his an above average shot blocker and moves well laterally, but it’s difficult to see him being able to defend at an elite level, at least initially, due to his slender frame. I also question whether or not he will be able to get to the spots on the floor he wants in terms of back downs and post ups when he will typically be outweighed by no less than 30 lbs.  Porzingis has emense upside, but how long will it take to develop? It will take him at least a couple of years to put on weight just to play power forward, and he isn’t quick enough to play small forward in the NBA until he does.

The bottom line is he is a top-five talent, but I could see teams in the top-5 passing as they look for a player who could help them more immediately. Still, Stan Van Gundy’s obsession with stretch fours has been well documented and Porzingis’ talent and upside could be enticing enough for Van Gundy to pull the trigger on. If this where to happen, it would be interesting to see the fan base’s reaction after they sat through one of the biggest busts in NBA draft history in Darco Millicic.

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