Who should the Pistons draft if they capture a top three pick?
By Sham Mohile
If the Pistons get lucky and manage to capture a top three pick in the NBA draft, here’s who they should draft. I asked three college basketball and NBA draft experts about who should be atop the Pistons’ big board.
When the Pistons swung a trade to bring former Los Angeles Clippers superstar Blake Griffin to Detroit, they not only had playoff aspirations but were looking to make noise in an Eastern Conference riddled with injuries to key players (i.e. John Wall, Gordon Hayward, Dion Waiters, etc.).
The Pistons’ leader and engine for their offense, Reggie Jackson, was slated to come back in time for a final regular season push and for any playoff run they would have.
The Pistons were so sure of their success this season that they parted with their 2018 1st round pick in the trade, with only a top four protection placed on the pick.
However, the Pistons have lost 11 of their last 14 games and fall to now 7-11 with Blake Griffin on the roster.
Reggie Jackson still has not returned, and may be delayed until next week to be in game condition or for full-contact practice.
Things don’t look like they are getting much easier either.
The Pistons are currently spending St. Patrick’s Day weekend on a tough Western Conference road trip, featuring a loss against the Utah Jazz and upcoming games against the Denver Nuggets, Portland Trailblazers, a back-to-back with the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, before closing out the trip against the Western Conference leading Houston Rockets.
So as the Pistons continue to rack up the losses, the chances for acquiring a top pick and being protected by the provisions of the trade are beginning to look more and more likely.
Per Tankathon, the Pistons have a 2.9 percent chance of winning a top three pick in this year’s lottery.
“So you’re saying there’s a chance”
There certainly is.
That’s why I decided to reach out to (*LeBron James voice*) not one, not two, but three college basketball experts on their opinion as to which three prospects should be atop the Pistons’ draft board if they happen to stumble into a top pick this year.
Let me first introduce the three experts:
- Justin Hodges – College basketball and NBA Draft expert for BBallBreakdown, DefPen Sports
- Jackson Frank – Sports editor for the Gonzaga Bulletin, Contributor for The Charity Stripe and DefPen Sports
- Gabe Esquivel – College basketball expert for DefPen Sports and host of the AllDayHoopsTalk Podcast
Who should be #1 on the Pistons’ draft board?
Hodges:
Luka Doncic – Guard, Real Madrid
"The Pistons made a move that only a contender would make at the trade deadline acquiring Blake Griffin. Unfortunately this gutted the team of its best perimeter player, Tobias Harris. If the Pistons miraculously finish within the top 4 and retain their draft pick, they should be instantly looking at the wing prospects in this draft.The Slovenian Superstar is a prospect that’s going to make whichever team he goes to better. With intellect through the roof, proficiency in pick n roll, a solid jumper and good physique Doncic could serve as the lead guard in Detroit. With his impeccable vision and passing ability he can make actions involving Drummond and Griffin nearly unstoppable."
Frank:
Luka Doncic – Guard, Real Madrid
"He’s a point-forward who can provide an impact across the stat sheet and has enough of an outside game right now to play off the ball. He’s not quick enough defensively to match up against jitterbug guards or wings but at 6-7/8, he can use his length to hang tough. He’s a good rebounder for his size, above-average playmaker and is thriving in Europe’s best league at 19 years old. Would provide good long-term stability at the wing or lead guard spot for Detroit."
Esquivel:
Luka Doncic – Guard, Real Madrid
"Doncic is simply the best prospect that this draft has to offer. A do-it-all wing that could also serve as your lead guard. He is the ideal archetype for a franchise centerpiece."
Who should be #2 on the Pistons’ draft board?
Hodges:
Michael Porter Jr. – Forward, Missouri
"Even with Michael Porter Jr. missing most of the collegiate season with an injury, he is still the top scorer among wings in the class. With Detroit’s bigs powering down low they are going to need a replacement for what Tobias Harris brought in terms of scoring at the 3 spot. Porter is athletic, has great handles and can light it up from the 3PT line. Most of all, he is an incredibly smart and well rounded individual, which will take him even further in the NBA."
Frank:
DeAndre Ayton – Center, Arizona
"He’s a natural 5 but he’s playing the 4 in college and dominating so there’s not really any fit issues with Andre Drummond. Blake Griffin’s presents raises some concerns but I think Ayton and Doncic are head and shoulders above the pack so I can’t see passing on him if available.He’s strong as an ox, pretty agile and light on his feet for a big, has incredibly underrated passing skills, already runs a high-low scheme at Arizona so he could mesh well with Drummond, and has fluid shot form and range out to about 18 feet, which could expand to beyond the arc with some work (12/33 from deep this season).His defense is a bit concerning but it’s improved throughout the season and he’s got the size/skill to be a force. I don’t expect a Ben Simmons-like transformation defensively because he’s had something to play for all season but he should become a forceful defender in time.Biggest issue is lack of a truly polished post game but at 7-1 w/a 7-5 wingspan he might be able to work around that while he develops more moves. Motor can run hot and cold but it’s running hot more often down the stretch this year, which is good."
Esquivel:
DeAndre Ayton – Center, Arizona
"The 2nd best prospect in the draft, Ayton would be a no-brained for any team in this position. While Ayton may not fill a direct need for Detroit as a big, he does have upside that is greater than both Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond. Ayton is a walking double-double and if he can show consistency on defense, has the potential to be the best center in the league."
Who should be #3 on the Pistons’ draft board?
Hodges:
Collin Sexton – Guard, Alabama
"This one’s a wild card, but in a draft that piles up big men in the top ten any team that truly needs a guard may have to reach a little bit. Reggie Jackson will return and do his thing, but a lead guard with the attitude of Sexton may propel the Pistons back to their classical style.A fiery guard with grit, toughness and instincts, Sexton would be an instant hit in Detroit."
Frank:
Jaren Jackson Jr. – Forward, Michigan State
"Jackson is a guy who’s seen his stock rocket up through the season and I’m not super high on this guard class of this draft to warrant a top-3 pick despite Detroit’s need there. He’s a physical freak at 6-11 with a 7-4 wingspan. A bit skinny but his frame suggests he’ll fill out, up from 225 pounds last spring to 245 now.Monster defensively with his physical characteristics (3.2 blocks per game). Super agile for a big man so he can switch in the pick and roll and run the floor well. Has a budding offensive game with tremendous footwork though I don’t know if he’ll ever be a go-to iso scorer.Shot form is a bit wonky and raises concerns over how his 3-point prowess will translate to the league (38/96 from deep) but so far so good. Just wonder about the extended range in the NBA. But his 3-point shot, defensive dominance, physical characteristics and huge upside are too much to pass up. Seems like at the very least he’ll be an impactful defender and rim runner."
Esquivel:
Michael Porter Jr. – Forward, Missouri
"Pending health, a big (6’10) wing who can score at all 3 levels and has guard skills could be exactly what Detroit needs as an offensive jolt. His shot off the dribble is pure and- at full health- is an incredible athlete for his size. Will need some polishing, but his ceiling is very high."
Who are your top three prospects?