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Big Ten Tournament: 5 prospects the Detroit Pistons should watch

By Jacob Warfle

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 25: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans late in the second half of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the Breslin Center on February 25, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 25: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans late in the second half of the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at the Breslin Center on February 25, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Cassius Winston, Senior, Michigan State

Cassius Winston is everything you could want in a collegiate point guard. He has great command of the floor, exceptional play making ability, and is an outstanding perimeter shooter.

In January, he became the Big Ten’s all-time leader in assists and was just recently named to the Wooden Award National Ballot. Winston checks all the boxes.

NBA analysts and scouts aren’t as convinced. CBS Sports has Winston at 29 on their big board, while nbadraft.net has him falling all the way to the back of the second-round.

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This is because Winston also happens to check all the boxes of a great collegiate player who’s game won’t translate to the next level. He is a bit undersized (6’1″, 185 lbs.), has trouble guarding larger players, and rebounding ability is a concern.

This paradox has been one that has baffled NBA scouts for years. What is it that turns a great collegiate player into trustworthy NBA player? What is that it factor? Whatever it is, Winston has it. 

Winston is a four year starter at Michigan State as part of the recruiting class that included current Charlotte Hornet, Miles Bridges. He was always the quiet assassin, content with allowing Bridges to take most of the spotlight.

Last season, Winston broke onto the national stage winning Big Ten Player of the Year and leading the Spartans to the Final Four, with a win over Duke and Zion Williamson.

This season, Winston has been in that same groove. He is averaging 18.6 points per game and 5.9 assists per game, while pouring in 73 total three-pointers at 43.2 percent.

Tragedy struck early in the season with the death of Winston’s brother, something that affected the entire East Lansing community and Spartan team. Despite this horrible loss, Winston has remained focused and his quiet steady demeanor has not wavered. It’s that gritty, yet gracious personality that separates him.

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The Pistons may look to make a play for Winston. Even if Winston carries Michigan State all the way back to the Final Four, he will likely not be a lottery prospect.

The Pistons would need to great creative with a trade on draft day. Being from Detroit, there is the hometown connection. More importantly, there is need at the point guard position.

Winston is not a franchise cornerstone, but his stock is being severely undervalued. When I watch him, I see Fred VanVleet. There is always a need for reliable play making guards in the NBA.