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Chad Ford thinks Thon Maker is perfect for Detroit Pistons

By Braden Shackelford

Jan 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy bites on a pen cap before the game against the Orlando Magic at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 115-89. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy bites on a pen cap before the game against the Orlando Magic at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 115-89. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Pistons are willing to “swing for the fences” with their first round pick. In Chad Ford’s Grade “A” mock draft, he thinks that’s exactly the direction this team should go.

I’ve been a fan of Thon Maker to the Detroit Pistons for awhile, but now it appears I’m not the only one who thinks it makes sense for the Pistons to swing big with their 18th overall pick.

Chad Ford recently rolled out his Grade “A” Mock Draft where he makes each first round pick based on what he deems is in the best interest of each team.

Here’s what Ford had to say about Maker to Detroit, via ESPN:

"Needs: PF, backup PGNo.18: Thon Maker, PF/C, AustraliaThe Pistons traded for Tobias Harris at the trade deadline to be the team’s stretch-4. Marcus Morris is there, too, so that gives them the luxury to swing for the fences with Maker.They have time to develop him, and if he hits in a couple of years, they just landed the perfect frontcourt mate to Andre Drummond.Taking calculated risks at this point in the draft is what really good teams do."

Exactly.

Tobias Harris and Marcus Morris have done a really nice job playing alongside one another–but neither has the size to guard bigger post players. Off the bench the Pistons have been using Anthony Tolliver who gives great effort each and every night, but the same issues arise when he steps on the court.

The Pistons simply don’t have an answer on their roster currently for a bigger power forward, but they would if they drafted Thon Maker–at least–hypothetically.

Maker’s size/speed/length/agility combination gives him the tools to be a high-end defensive player against virtually any power forward. There is the weight issue for him (he’s only 216 lbs), but that should change as he grows into his body.

As for his long-term fit next to Drummond? Maker is already a decent jump shooter which means floor spacing won’t be an issue. He also can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim to give the Pistons’ another wrinkle in their offense.

Even if Maker doesn’t turn out to be the player I think he’s capable of being (and I think he will), Chad Ford is right–this is a calculated risk that good teams have to take to become great teams.

Milwaukee isn’t a great team, but selecting Giannis Antetokounmpo in the middle of the first round was a good risk to take. Clearly that calculated risk rewarded the Bucks who now have one of the most special talents in the NBA.

I think Maker could have a similar trajectory–particularly because I think the situation in Detroit is advantageous for a player like him.

That said, the Pistons’ dreams of drafting Maker could be dashed if a team like Milwaukee (who Ford thinks is a dark horse to land Maker) makes a bold decision to draft him in the lottery.

Here’s to hoping Maker falls to Detroit.

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