2004-2006: All-Star and Role Players
2004
Who they drafted: Ricky Paulding (54)
Who they should have drafted: Damien Wilkens
The Pistons didn’t have much to choose from at the bottom of the draft. Damien Wilkins went undrafted and ended up having a decent career with the Sonics and later Detroit.
2005
Who they drafted: Jason Maxiell (26), Amir Johnson (56), Alex Acker (60)
Who they should have drafted: David Lee, Marcin Gortat, Will Bynum
Notable Misses: Ersan Ilyasova, Monta Ellis, Lou Williams
Sadly, this was one of Detroit’s better drafts and they still missed on most of the talent. Maxiell and Johnson ended up being solid role players in the NBA, but Lee was an All-Star and had a much better overall career that was hampered by injuries. Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams is still getting buckets for the Clippers though he didn’t blossom until later in his career. Gortat would be an upgrade over Johnson, and Detroit could have had the undrafted Bynum instead of Acker. Maxiell was a fan favorite, but I’m certain Detroit fans would have liked Lee, Ellis or Williams more.
2006
Who they drafted: Will Blalock (60)
Who they should have drafted: J.J. Barea
When you have the last pick in the draft why not swing for the fences? Barea was small but it didn’t matter, he ended up being a weapon off the bench and great change of pace backup point guard. Would have been fun to have him in Detroit.