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Detroit Pistons draft targets: Guard edition

By David Topham

Jan 17, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Pitt Panthers at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Pitt Panthers at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Frank Ntilikina | PG | 6’5” | 18 years old | Strasbourg (France)

  • Stats (in French Pro A League) last season: 32 games, 18.3 minutes, .485 FG%, .431% 3P%, .621 FT%, 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.2 blocks per game
  • Draft range: 8-11, not likely to be available
  • Why he fits in Detroit: Ntilikina paired with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope would create one lengthy and active defensive-minded backcourt duo. Ntilikina would also let others like KCP, Tobias Harris and Marcus Morris shine because he always makes the simple and right play out of the pick and roll.

You have to spend a lot of time on the internet before you find a mock draft that has Frank Ntilikina slipping past the Knicks at No. 8, the Mavericks at No. 9, or, occasionally, the Hornets at No. 11.

This year’s highest-rated international prospect, Ntilikina is a French national who was born in Belgium to Rwandan parents. At just 18, he’s already making an impact for SIG Strasbourg of the French Pro A League. And most of that is happening on the defensive end.

Thanks to his wingspan that stretches over 7’0” and sharp basketball instincts, Ntilikina is one of this draft’s greatest defensive prospects. His highlight reel is chock full of impressive blocks, and he always seems to muck up passing lanes with his quick feet, great length and high motor.

He’s not useless on offense by any means, either. His jump shot looks pure (.431% from three this past season), and he doesn’t force anything that’s not there. His game is more about making the right play, even though he’s not much of a natural creator of offense.

That last point may be the reason why he doesn’t mesh with Detroit’s roster. The Pistons are desperate for offense, and Ntilikina is more interested in keeping the ball moving than creating his own looks. Still, Stan Van Gundy may be salivating at the defensive prospects of a Ntilikina/Caldwell-Pope backcourt if he’s available at No. 12.