Who the Detroit Pistons should have taken in every draft since Darko Milicic
2016-2019: Need over Potential and a New Chapter
2016
Who they drafted: Henry Ellenson (18), Michael Gbinije (49)
Who they should have drafted: Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet
Notable misses: Malcolm Brogdon
I’m not sure what the Pistons saw in Ellenson, who is too slow to guard anyone in the NBA, regardless of whatever offensive skill he has. I hated this pick at the time and hate it even more now, as the Pistons could have rising star Siakam or Brogdon, who are both playing for rival teams in the East. Well done, Detroit.
2017
Who they drafted: Luke Kennard (12)
Who they should have drafted: Donovan Mitchell
Notable misses: Kyle Kuzma
If Mitchell didn’t exist, then the Luke Kennard pick doesn’t look so bad. Kennard is showing signs of being a talented player and many expect him to make the leap in year three.
But Donovan Mitchell does exist.
discussion. Was Luke Kennard snubbed from FanSided's 25-under-25 list?. light
Mitchell is already a star and a trendy hipster pick to win MVP in his third season. Kennard may end up being a solid player in the NBA, but this was a clear case of the Pistons drafting for need over potential and the primary reason why no coach should also be general manager. Stan Van Gundy took Kennard because he needed shooting and passed on the more intriguing/higher upside Mitchell. I think Kennard will be very good, but it’s unlikely he’ll ever be anyone’s pre-season pick for MVP.
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2018-2019
Who they drafted: Khyri Thomas (38), Bruce Brown (42), Sekou Doumbouya (15), Deividas Sirvydis
Who they should have drafted: ?
I’m lumping these picks together because there’s not enough evidence yet to judge. Brown and Thomas were the first picks of the Ed Stefanski era and even though they were just second rounders, there is reason for hope. Bruce Brown became a surprise starter last year and showed signs of being a plus defender at potentially three different positions. Thomas also showed some signs last year and may end up becoming a decent trade asset if nothing else. The 18 year old Sekou Doumbouya is exactly the type of swing for the fences pick I’ve long hoped Detroit would make, as he is raw but has high upside.
Stefanski and company have made small but savvy moves thus far that have improved the Pistons’ talent and roster depth. Is it possible that Detroit has finally washed off the Darko stink?
Next. Where are the Pistons draft picks from the last decade?. dark
The NBA Draft offers perpetual hope for the downtrodden franchises and for the first time in awhile I feel like Detroit might have a reason to believe.