Players the Detroit Pistons are interested in the 2016 NBA draft

Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) pumps his fist during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) pumps his fist during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) pumps his fist during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) pumps his fist during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Pistons will be on the clock in just 11 days. Let’s take a look at who the Pistons are interested in based on what Chad Ford is hearing.

If you read Chad Ford’s mock drafts and big boards you’ll get a good sense of players that teams are interested in. Some of the “interest” stems from Ford’s opinions while other comes from credible sources. Even if some of the information is opinion based–his opinions are usually well informed. (Usually).

Here are the players Ford talked about as Piston candidates in his Big Board 9.0.

Domantas Sabonis, Power Forward, Gonzaga

Sabonis has gotten some interest for obvious reasons. He a true power forward with excellent rebounding skills and an improving jumper. Ford noted in his big board that Sabonis has “shot it very well” from beyond the arc in the workouts he’s seen Sabonis.

Quote from Ford: “In the middle of the first round, the Celtics, Grizzlies, Pistons and Pacers all seem like potential homes. Look for him to land in the No. 8-20 range.”

Thon Maker, Power Forward, Athlete Institute

Maker is easily one of my favorite prospects in the 2016 draft. There’s some uncertainty surrounding his ability to contribute from day one, but he’s got tremendous upside and could one day be an all-star next to Andre Drummond in the Pistons lineup. For now, he would compliment Tobias Harris well as he brings more size and rim protection.

Quote from Ford: “Detroit is another dark horse for Maker. The Pistons feel like they’re in a position to take a swing at someone with major upside at No. 18.”

Denzel Valentine, SG, Michigan State

Valentine can do it all offensively and would be a welcome addition to the Pistons’ bench who could use another playmaker. I don’t know where the Pistons would use him on their second unit as he’s not a true point guard, but I think he could make a tremendous impact. He’d also be a good player to insert into the starting lineup should the Pistons not retain Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

Quote from Ford: “The Jazz, Suns and Bulls all like him in the late lottery. But if he slid to the Pistons at No. 18, Pacers at No. 20, Hawks at No. 21 or Hornets at No. 22, it wouldn’t shock me.”

Next: Who else does Ford think the Pistons have interest in?