The Detroit Pistons could have had D’Angelo Russell if they wanted him, according to reports. Instead, they passed on the opportunity. What does this tell us about the Pistons’ draft plans, if anything?
The Detroit Pistons had their chance at the all-star caliber player they have been coveting for so long. All offseason, we have heard about the Pistons desire to “win now”, and willingness to trade their first round pick to acquire a veteran player who can help the team win now.
The Pistons finally got their chance to land both of these criteria, and instead, they turned down the opportunity.
Lakers had called multiple teams in lottery about acquiring Russell this week. No takers. He becomes the guy who helps them get off Moz $
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 20, 2017
Lakers were surprised about lack of trade value for D'Angelo Russell. No takers in the lottery https://t.co/CLs9xSaNiw
— NBA Big Board (@chadfordinsider) June 20, 2017
So what can we glean from the Pistons electing not to capitalize on a player like Russell, in an environment where they would have had him for basically nothing?
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For starters there were rumors swirling about Russell’s bad attitude–and there were 12 other lottery teams that decided not to chase Russell either. That’s a telling sign, even if the Pistons make the most sense of all the lottery teams.
The other thought here, is that the Pistons like their options better at 12–a notion I find extremely hard to believe unless they have convincing intel that says a player like Zach Collins is going to fall to them. Even then, the Pistons would be gambling on an unknown commodity versus an established and high-upside player.
The finally, and most likely reason for not making the move for Russell in my opinion, is that the Pistons feel they have a great opportunity to land an even bigger name than Russell, or that they have a deal lined up to move up into the draft for a player they like even more.
Landing a Jimmy Butler or Kristaps Porzingis, seems unlikely, but moving up to seven or eight in the draft to take a player like Dennis Smith does not.
Next: Detroit Pistons mock draft 2017
Could the Pistons being gearing up to move into the top of the draft? I think that’s what makes the most sense, what say you?