Pistons meet with Baldwin IV, Jackson, Ulis at combine
The NBA combine gave the Detroit Pistons a chance to get an up-close look at candidates to draft with their first round pick. The Pistons used that opportunity to talk with some of the top point guard prospects at the combine.
The Detroit Pistons are doing their due diligence on point guard prospects coming into the NBA, likely knowing that the draft will be the best chance they have to improve a position of weakness–while also providing the most budget friendly option.
"CHICAGO – A theme has emerged with the Detroit Pistons during the NBA draft combine.Point guard has been a point of interest with prospects Wade Baldwin IV (Vandy), Demetrius Jackson (Notre Dame) and Tyler Ulis (Kentucky) confirming meetings with the Pistons.Don’t make it too much of an indicator of what the Pistons are planning to do with the 18th pick of the NBA draft in June. But with the depth chart a big question mark after starting point guard Reggie Jackson, you can understand the Pistons doing their due diligence on that position."
All three players had really good seasons. All three players also tested extremely well at the combine. That means that there’s a decent chance that none of these players are on the board when the Pistons’ pick 18.
Regardless of whether or not one or all of these players will be there at 18, I’m glad the Pistons are doing their homework.
I think this point guard class has a lot of talent. While I’m not as confident in Ulis long-term, I think Baldwin IV or Jackson could develop into quality starters someday. For now, all three would be excellent candidates for the backup point guard position.
It’s in the team’s best interest to do as much research as possible at the combine, even if all some of these players might not be on the board. Perhaps the Pistons fall in love with a prospect during the interview process and decide to make a move up.
Or maybe, they find serious flaws in all three players and elect to go in an entirely different direction?
Even if all three point guards are gone by the time the Pistons are on the clock, there are other talented players that will likely be on the board.
Fellow point guards Timothe Luwawu of France and Dejounte Murray of Washington–should Ulis, Baldwin IV, and Jackson be off the board–will likely be there, and 19 year old power forward Thon Maker–who had a very good showing at the combine too–could be enticing to the Pistons.
The Pistons could also look into finding Kentavious Cladwell-Pope’s eventual replacement should things not work out contractually with someone like Malik Beasley from Florida State.