Weighing Pistons’ needs entering NBA draft

Kevin Pelton and Chad Ford of ESPN discussed the Pistons’ needs entering the draft:

"Pelton: With the likelihood they re-sign Reggie Jackson to play with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the backcourt, plus Andre Drummond in the middle, it’s pretty clear the Pistons’ biggest need is at the forward positions. Greg Monroe is an unrestricted free agent, and after trading Kyle Singler midseason, Detroit got little production from the aging small forward duo of Caron Butler (whose contract is non-guaranteed) and Tayshaun Prince (also unrestricted).Ford: I think it’s safe to say that if Monroe gets a huge offer elsewhere, he’s gone. But that’s still a big question mark. If they get the No. 1 pick, again I think Towns is the clear choice here and makes letting Monroe walk easy. What a crazy front line the Pistons would have. I think D’Angelo Russell is also interesting for them because of his ability to stretch the floor. If they are picking around seventh, I could see them grabbing one of the top two wings in the draft: Duke’s Winslow or Croatia’s Mario Hezonja. I love both of them and they are neck and neck on our Big Board. They’re both great athletes, play with toughness and energy, and shot the ball well from 3-point range this season. Both would be great picks for the Pistons and I’m not quite ready to choose between the two. But if I had to pick today, I’d go Winslow.Pelton: I’m a little more convinced than you that Monroe won’t be back. As a result, I’d also consider Turner, who might ultimately be a great fit for Stan Van Gundy’s offense. The wings probably make the most sense, however."

I like Ford’s optimism – Greg Monroe possibly re-signing! Getting the No. 1 pick and drafting Karl-Anthony Towns! Moving up in the lottery and getting D’Angelo Russell! Staying at No. 7 and taking Mario Hezonja or Justise Winslow!

Any of those sounds good to me.

Unfortunately, Pelton’s realism is probably more accurate. I doubt Monroe re-signs, and moving up in the lottery is unlikely. If the Pistons don’t get lucky in the lottery, I don’t think Winslow or Hezonja will be available. That could leave Detroit drafting Texas’ Myles Turner.

Turner would hardly be a bad consolation prize. The 7-footer shot well during his freshman season, showing range beyond the college 3-point arc. But the eye test on his stroke didn’t always match the numbers, and there are concerns about his funky running style and it leading to injury. If Turner is the best prospect on the board when the Pistons pick, I’d be fine with that – maybe even happy with it.

But I much prefer to fantasize about Ford’s best-case scenarios for now.