Detroit Pistons trade up, grab Monk in this mock draft
The Detroit Pistons, a team in need of scorers and shooters, land potentially the best combination of both in Malik Monk, according to this mock draft by CBS.
The Detroit Pistons have a need for scorers and shooters, and they have unproven talent behind Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The team could also use a player on their team capable of developing into an all-star caliber player.
That means a guard who can solve all of those issues would likely be a top target for the Pistons, which is exactly the thought behind this trade hypothesized by Reid Forgrave of CBS in this mock draft.
"10. Pistons via trade with KingsMalik Monk, SG, KentuckyMock trade: Sacramento sends 10th pick to Detroit for 12th pick and Michael Gbinije.With perhaps the best natural scorer in this draft still available at 10, the Pistons frantically pull the trigger on a trade that’ll instantly give them credibility from three-point land, where this team struggles as much as any team in the league. It’s a win-win; the Pistons draft a player in Monk who would have been a top-five level talent in a less stacked draft, while the Kings only drop back a couple of picks and acquire a useful piece in combo guard Michael Gbineje, who was a second-round pick last year (and who shot nearly 40 percent from three his senior season in college)."
If the Pistons could land Monk for the price of their current pick plus Michael Gbinije, would you do it?
I lean towards yes, but I also like Donovan Mitchell enough to stay put.
Mitchell tested as the best athlete in the draft, but Monk likely would have matched or exceeded Mitchell’s numbers in the athletic fields. In looking at each player’s tape, I tend to think Monk would have exceeded him in speed, quickness, and leaping ability.
Mitchell has a better wingspan by about 10 inches, indicating his defensive potential (along with his athletic measurements), but Monk is a year younger and a far superior offensive player.
There is reason to believe in both players, but the tape points towards Monk, I would say.
The deciding factor, for me, would ultimately be the interview process. I would like to know who the harder worker is, and who has the better team-first attitude. The last thing the Pistons need is a diva.
Next: Super stars and upside talent: How the Detroit Pistons can add it to their roster
That said, if they both turn out to be exceptional people off the court, I like landing Monk over Mitchell here–but losing Gbinije, who has solid combo guard potential, does hurt.
Ultimately, Monk’s far superior scoring ability is the difference for me, particularly on a team in desperate need of it.
As a 19-year-old, Monk averaged almost 20 points on 45/39.7/82.2 splits. He also got the the free throw line almost five times a game.
These are far superior numbers to Mitchell’s, even as a sophomore.
What do you say Pistons fans?