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Who the Detroit Pistons should have taken in every draft since Darko Milicic

By Aaron Kellerstrass

Detroit Pistons Darko Milicic. (Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE/Getty Images)
Detroit Pistons Darko Milicic. (Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Clippers Lou Williams. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) 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. /

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.

looking back. What made the Goin' to Work Pistons enjoyable to watch. light

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.