Detroit Pistons prospects to watch for at the NBA combine

Wade Baldwin, point guard, Vanderbilt

Big athletic point guard who can shoot and score from anywhere. Sounds like the polar opposite of Steve Blake doesn’t it?

Baldwin is a player that could fit in nicely behind Reggie Jackson from day one. He wasn’t the most efficient scorer (42.7% from the field), but he hit a nice percentage from behind the arc (40%) and displayed creativity when finishing around the rim. He won’t be as good as Blake in terms of passing, but with Stanley Johnson likely joining him on the court off the bench he doesn’t need to be.

The Pistons need a guy off the bench who can create his own shot and produce offense and that’s exactly what they could have if Baldwin is there at 18. Stan Van Gundy will also like the defensive potential of Baldwin.

Henry Ellenson, power forward, Marquette

Hands down my favorite Pistons’ prospect in the the draft, Ellenson could be exactly what the Pistons are looking for long-term at power forward behind Tobias Harris.

Ellenson will remind you a lot of Kevin Love (and no it’s not because he’s white). Ellenson is big (6’10”) and has a beautiful stroke from the perimeter. He’s also an excellent rebounder (9.7 rebounds per game, 11.6 per 40 minutes).

The Pistons wanted Dontas Montiejunas so that they could match up against bigger teams while also fitting the “stretch four” mold, and that’s what Ellenson can bring. It would take a trade up to get Ellenson, but long-term it might be worth it if the Pistons could swing it.

Denzel Valentine, shooting guard, Michigan State

A shooting guard? But don’t the Pistons have Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jodie Meeks, and Darrun Hilliard? Yes, but Van Gundy doesn’t have a ton of desire to get younger and Valentine brings it on both ends of the court.

This would also be a long-term insurance pick with the long-term status of Caldwell-Pope in question should he play his way out of the Pistons’ budget. Hopefully that’s not the case, because Valentine would be a great addition to an already talented Pistons’ nucleus.

Deyonta Davis, power forward, Michigan State

Not really a Van Gundy type of forward and not too position versatile, but sometimes when you are picking so late in the first round you have to go with a guy you think can contribute for your team in certain areas with good upside. Where Davis would contribute immediately is defensively.

Davis is an all out effort player with good length and timing which shows up in his ability to block shots. He’s also a good rebounder (11.8 per 40 minutes).

He’s not a great shooter, but has shown the ability to hit mid-range shots if left open. Davis also hit a decent clip from the free throw line (60.5%) his freshman year and could find himself in the starting lineup if the Pistons decide they want to play small ball.

Marquese Chriss, power forward, Washington

Super athletic forward that has shown the ability to create offense for himself. Despite being a young player he does a lot of things you like to see for today’s power forwards.

Chriss can shoot (35% from three), score (13.8 points per game as a freshman), and he makes a lot of great hustle plays that will pop out to you on the highlight reel (steals, come from behind fast break blocks, cutting to the rim without the ball for easy baskets).

There is a lot of upside with Chriss and he would have a defined role with the Pistons as the backup behind Tobias Harris. If he’s there at 18, I think he’s a good long-term fit. If Ellenson is number one on my Pistons’ board than Chriss is easily my number two prospect.

Tyler Ulis, point guard, Kentucky

Let me start by saying I’m not a fan of short point guards at all (5’9″). It can work sometimes (see Isiah Thomas for the Celtics), but these guys have to have exceptional skills. Ulis has that and is an excellent distributor (7.0 assists), while also taking good care of the ball (2.0 turnovers).

Ulis also has shown the unique ability to get difficult shots off at a decent clip against taller players in the lane which bodes well for him in the NBA.

There difference, however, between Ulis and Thomas is that he’s only 155 lbs. If the Pistons go this direction I can see why–he can fill the void at backup point guard at least offensively– I just won’t love it.

Skal Labissiere, power forward, Kentucky

Sometimes players are really good and have upside. Sometimes they lack one or the other. Labissiere is the later as he’s got a chance to be really good.

The question with guys like Labissiere is will he be really good? That’s a question that has snake-bit a lot of lottery teams which is why I think Labissiere will fall into the Pistons’ range.

That said, Labissiere would be a good player for the Pistons to develop. He already displays an excellent shooting touch and excellent shot blocking ability. With Baynes and Drummond manning the center positions Labissiere’s lack of bulk won’t really matter on the offensive end. He can play outside while he works on adding to his frame.

The question with Labissiere and his fit with the Pistons is will Van Gundy be willing to draft a player he will need to be patient with? If the answer to that question is yes–and he’s on the board at 18–Van Gundy will give Labissiere a strong look.

Demetrius Jackson, point guard, Notre Dame

Plug and play–that’s what Jackson would be for the Pistons as their backup point guard. He’ll draw some comparisons from some analysis with his aggressive style of play and athleticism (though he’s not that type of finisher). I would say that’s a fair comparison, but he’s not quite the athlete Westbrook is.

Where Jackson is a little further in his development is his offensive game.

Again the theme here is a guy that can create offense for himself and for others. I don’t think he’s got as high of a ceiling as some of the other prospects mentioned, but he’d be a solid pick no less, especially with his size offering defensive potential.

Taurean Prince, small forward, Baylor

A new Prince of the palace? I don’t think so.

This would be a worst-case scenario for the Pistons. Prince isn’t really what the Pistons are looking for offensively with Stanley Johnson in the fold, but he could contribute now–which is what this draft is really about for the Pistons.

There are things to like about Prince. He has some range (36% from three) and because of his frame he could be a good player defensively on backup power forwards.

His speed and athleticism would also be tough to handle on the offensive end against slower footed power forwards. With someone like Prince what you are looking for is effort and fit. Because of his high motor he can fit if he buys into Van Gundy’s system and learns on the fly.

I’m not sold on the idea of Prince playing power forward–which is where he’d have to play if he were to be drafted by the Pistons, but in today’s NBA he could have a place.

Malik Beasley, shooting guard, Florida State

Another “this would be a good option if Caldwell-Pope can’t be re-signed” option. Heck, Beasley even wore number five last season for Florida State and has similar measurables and stats from college.

When you watch Beasley his shooting ability and athleticism jumps of the film. I haven’t seen enough on him on the defensive side of the ball to make any long-term projections there, but he certainly could a good player to develop.

Thon Maker, power forward/center, Australia

Thon Maker will draw vastly different scouting reports during the draft process. In short, you will either love him or hate him. Personally, I like what he can bring to the table with his size and skill-set.

He might remind you a bit of Myles Turner when he runs in the fact that he’s a bit choppy, but overall he moves well and he’s projects as a great rebounder and shot blocker.

I could see–similarly to Turner–Maker projecting as a more mobile version of LaMarcus Aldridge, but he’s also got a lower floor than most of the other prospects listed which is why he won’t be a lottery pick, especially with only high school film to go off of.