Non-wing draft options for the Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are going into the NBA Draft with the 15th overall pick. Most mock drafts have them selecting a wing. But what are some prospects that they can select that aren’t wings?
When the Pistons dealt Reggie Bullock and Stanley Johnson at the trade deadline, many fans and writers filled in the blanks by assuming the Pistons would target the best available wing in the NBA draft. However, I don’t think it is that simple.
What if the Pistons decide not to take a wing with the 15th pick in the draft?
If they don’t believe strongly in the wings available by the time they make their decision, they could look towards free agency for a cheaper option, and decide to fill one of their many backup positions with their draft pick.
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1. PJ Washington – 6’8 PF
PJ Washington projects to play power forward in the NBA, and with Blake Griffin handling the position for the next couple of years, the four is certainly not one of the Pistons biggest needs. But Washington’s length combined with his offensive skills make him an intriguing prospect.
Replacing Thon Maker‘s minutes with a player as good as Washington would be an immediate upgrade for the Pistons. Washington is not only is a capable shooter (42% from three last year), but also a fierce competitor, battling back through his injury to lead Kentucky to the Elite Eight.
Washington is also regarded as a smart player that fills his role on the court, and the Pistons could certainly do worse with the 15th pick than the former Wildcat.
2. Nickeil Alexander-Walker – 6’5 SG/PG
The combo-guard from Virginia Tech is one of my favorite players projected in the area where the Pistons will be selecting.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is capable of handling the rock, but he is also able to play off-ball. He played each of these roles throughout his time in college, and was successful in both of them.
Alexander-Walker’s skillset is very strong, and he could eventually could help run the second unit, allowing Luke Kennard an opportunity to slide into the starting lineup without leaving the backups without any scoring ability.
Shooting 38% from three while in college, he is well-rounded enough for the Pistons to pass up a wing.
3. Goga Bitadze – 6’11 C
Goga Bitadze is a traditional center, and while the Pistons may not want to replace Andre Drummond, it is completely possible that he decides to opt out of his player option after next season and pursue unrestricted free agency.
Taking a stab at a prospect that many feel will have a solid NBA career could be their decision as the 15th pick approaches, especially considering that the Pistons have not had any production from their backup center spot since Aron Baynes left in free agency a few seasons ago.
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While he may not be an explosive player, his size and skill around the basket make him worth a look. He is able to shoot both mid-range shots, as well as free throws, so it is possible that he becomes a stretch big in the future. Bitadze is also a great rebounder, a skill that could make his fit in Detroit rather smooth.