Who might the Detroit Pistons target in the 2018 NBA draft?

5 of 8

SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 2: Eric Paschall #4 of the Villanova Wildcats drives past Moritz Wagner #13 of the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Final Four Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /

Moritz Wagner – Center, Michigan, Junior

It pains me to say this as a Michigan State alumnus, but Moritz Wagner might be a great fit on the Pistons bench. He is currently projected to be another late first-round pick but might drop to the Pistons due to his age and defensive shortcomings.

That isn’t to say he is bad on defense, but he is missing the two facets on that end that teams want in a center these days.

He will likely never be the defensive anchor teams crave in their big men due to his lack of rim protection.
He hasn’t shown much ability to guard on the perimeter which means a switch-heavy defensive scheme likely won’t be in his wheelhouse.

Those shortcomings withstanding, he does try hard enough on defense that he may be able to develop that side of his game. He’s also such a great offensive player that his flaws on the defensive side aren’t as big of an issue, particularly if he’s only being brought in to shore up the bench.

If he was being drafted to be a defensive anchor for a title contender I’d have some reservations, but at this point, the Pistons are simply looking to compete. Bringing in the hometown hero is rarely a bad move.