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The Detroit Pistons should target Grant Williams in the NBA Draft

By Spyros Papadakos

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Grant Williams of Tennessee works out during the 2019 NBA Combine at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Grant Williams of Tennessee works out during the 2019 NBA Combine at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 17, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MARCH 28: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers in action against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at the KFC YUM! Center on March 28, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MARCH 28: Grant Williams #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers in action against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at the KFC YUM! Center on March 28, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Fit

At first glance, Grant Williams is far from a good fit with the Pistons roster. But he’s so versatile that he can virtually fit anywhere. He’s a true “glue guy”.

He played power forward in college but there are many examples of college bigs that ended up to be perimeter players at the next level. PJ Tucker is a great example and Tucker didn’t even posses Williams’ shooting touch or playmaking ability. Plus, he was even shorter.

His role in Tennessee may have hidden some of his perimeter skills. Of course, It’s not a certainty he’ll be able to play small forward but I believe there’s a decent chance. Even if he never does, he’d be a great compliment to Drummond or work in small ball lineups with Griffin. His lack of length does limit his potential as a starter but Tucker showed how some players can break that mold.

Playing along Drummond or Griffin, Williams would potentially offer floor spacing and definitely passing. He has the ability to lob the pass off the dribble and his entry passes to the post are so good that he’ll get the big men some easy buckets.

Even if he never becomes a starter in Detroit, the fit with the bench unit is undeniable.  Luke Kennard is a core piece of the franchise and the pairing of the two would be sublime. That two-man game offers so many different possibilities and could become a low-resolution version of the Curry-Draymond pick & roll.

First of all, the big man sets some means screens that would turn into screen assists for Kennard. Secondly, both have the ability to shoot, put it on the floor and pass. Kennard is at a stage of his career where he’ll start seeing more traps and hedges, so having a guy that you can trust on the short roll would do wonders for the second unit.

Williams could even increase Thon Maker’s impact, coordinating him on defense and giving him passes that he can catch on offense. Maker’s length and motor is a nice compliment to Grants’ strength and awareness.

Mock drafts project Grant Williams to land in the 20s, so it could be considered a reach for the Pistons to get him at 15, even though not a big one. The team could find high value in trading down with that target in mind and get another asset out of it. However, most teams seem to be trying to do the same.

Next. Should the Detroit Pistons trade down in the NBA Draft?. dark

I tried to be as objective as possible and give you both sides of the argument. Objectively, there are plenty of things to like or dislike about Williams and you could be on either side. I think I made a strong case for him. If you’re not yet convinced, let me know in the comments.

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