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3-on-3: Discussing Detroit Pistons second round pick Michael Gbinije

By Brady Fredricksen

Mar 20, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Michael Gbinije (0) brings the ball up court during the first half of the second round against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Michael Gbinije (0) brings the ball up court during the first half of the second round against the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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After taking forward Henry Ellenson at No. 18, the Detroit Pistons went with a guard at No. 49 with Michael Gbinije in the 2016 NBA Draft.

1. The Detroit Pistons went against what most fans were hoping for in taking the Syracuse senior over the likes of point guards Kay Felder and Gary Payton II. What do you think of the Gbinije selection?

Braden Shackleford: At first I was a little shocked. I thought for sure the Pistons would nab the local product in Kay Fielder. But drafting Gbinije was the right call. He is versatile and played all over the court for Syracuse. His age was a bit of a turn off to the casual fan, but Gbinije is a player who could potentially have an impact in year one. That’s fantastic value for a second rounder.

Duncan Smith: I like it. The Pistons get a point guard out of the draft who has some size at 6-foot-7 and may be able to move around to other positions as well if needed. He’s a low-risk guy, but there may be a lack of upside considering the fact that he turned 24 years old earlier this month.

Brady Fredericksen: It wasn’t a bad choice, but it certainly isn’t an exciting one. Gbinije was a senior, a 24-year-old one at that, and he isn’t going to improve all that much going forward. He has a great stroke from 3-point territory and feels a lot like the selection of Darrun Hilliard last year. I’m not sure where he plays, but I’m also not sure he’s better/worse than the point guard alternatives like Felder and Payton II.

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2. Where does Gbinije fit with the Pistons as he joins a crowded group of wing players.

Shackleford: I think he fits in potentially as a point guard. He wasn’t a very good ball handler earlier in his career but he worked hard and developed that weakness. I wouldn’t be shocked if he ends up as the third point guard on the roster. I see Van Gundy plugging him in at other guard spots should injuries arise.

Smith: Summer league, training camp and the preseason are going to be very interesting as the Pistons have a glut of wings to decide just what they need to do. Considering the fact that Gbinije has the ability to play point guard, that may give him a leg up on the rest of the lower-tiered guards and wings on the roster.

Fredricksen: Good question, one I don’t have an answer to. I think he could overtake Hilliard and Bullock, but that’s not saying much. If he can shoot the ball in the NBA like he showed in college, there’s definitely a spot for him. And he has some experience as a point guard. I don’t think you want a second round pick factoring in a big way, though. If the Pistons are relying on Gbinije this season, something went horribly wrong or the “old” guard from Syracuse is better than any of us expected.

3. How would you grade the Pistons’ overall draft?

Shackleford: This is an A. I guess some people aren’t as high on Ellenson as I am, but the Pistons have had good value out of both of their picks and I think Ellenson can develop into an all-star caliber player some day. This was a terrific draft for the Pistons.

Smith: I think a solid B is in order. Ellenson is good value at 18, and you can’t go too far wrong picking a big guard like Gbinije in the mid-to-late stages of the second round.

Fredricksen: I would give it a B. I think the Pistons got a good, solid prospect in the first round with Henry Ellenson and I think they got a player with an NBA skill in the second with Gbinije. Neither will play a big role this season, but that’s not necessarily the point. This is the first draft in, what, seven years that the Pistons drafted for depth. It was the first time they weren’t desperate for talent. They picked a somebody with the ceiling of role player late and a young big who has a future at a position of need. It wasn’t a home run draft, but I don’t think they needed that.

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