Detroit Pistons draft targets: Center edition

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Feb 25, 2017; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) attempts a free throw against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Cougars upset the Bulldogs by a final 79-71. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

We take a closer look at the top center prospects who may or may not be on the board for the Detroit Pistons, who have the No. 12 pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft.

We’re just a handful of hours away from the 2017 NBA Draft. Barring a trade, the Detroit Pistons only hold the No. 12 overall pick, and we are taking a closer look at the prospects they could end up selecting.

On Sunday, I broke down the guards. Yesterday, the forwards. Which means we are turning our attention to the centers today.

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An NBA draft rarely goes down as expected, but most agree that there’s going to be an early run on guards. The likes of Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, De’Aaron Fox, Malik Monk, Dennis Smith, and Frank Ntilikina are all expected to be off the board; as are forward prospects Josh Jackson, Jayson Tatum, and Jonathan Isaac.

Come pick No. 12, it stands to reason that the best player left on the Detroit Pistons’ board could be a center. Detroit likely sees it playing out this way because they’ve had just about every big man prospect in their draft range in for a workout in the weeks leading up to the draft.

We know Stan Van Gundy likes having three centers on the roster at all times. Now that Aron Baynes has opted out of his contract, the team would likely have no problem filling that hole with the 12th pick as long as the player in question tops their draft board.

Assuming the Detroit Pistons stand pat at No. 12, these are the likeliest centers they could draft.