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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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Dec 19, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) reacts after scoring a three point shot against the Tennessee State Tigers in the second half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) reacts after scoring a three point shot against the Tennessee State Tigers in the second half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

Luke Kennard | SG/PG | 6’6” | 20 years old | Duke

  • Stats last season: 37 games, 35.5 minutes, .490 FG%, .438% 3P%, .856 FT%, 19.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.4 blocks per game
  • Draft range: 9-30, most likely going to be available
  • Why he fits in Detroit: Luke Kennard provides the Pistons with exactly what they need the most: knock down shooting from three-point range. The fact that he’s a two guard and can facilitate offense doesn’t hurt his cause, either.

Kennard fills the Pistons’ biggest positional hole (backup shooting guard) and need (three-point shooting), so it’s easy to see why he’s a real possibility for the 12th pick.

Like Mitchell, Kennard is known for his shooting and is entering the NBA after making a huge leap during his sophomore season. Unlike the Louisville product, Kennard is coveted for his savvy basketball acumen as opposed to raw athleticism.

Kennard’s 19.5 points per game on 13.1 shots per game is a result of his impressive .490/.438/.856 shooting line and basketball IQ. He knows how to use his size against smaller defenders and how to get to his spots with ball fakes and footwork. He also excelled as a knock-down shooter off screens and curls.

The issue is that Kennard may simply not be a good enough athlete to make it in the NBA. He’s not very fast, quick or physical — issues that dampen his defensive prospects. Plus, it begs the question of whether or not he can create offense the way he was able to against collegiate competition.