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3 players the Detroit Pistons should have drafted in 2016

By Nicolas Henkel

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 12: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 12, 2020 in New York City.Brooklyn Nets defeated the Toronto Raptors 101-91. 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. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 12: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 12, 2020 in New York City.Brooklyn Nets defeated the Toronto Raptors 101-91. 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. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Pistons
Toronto Raptors Pascal Siakam shoots over Detroit Pistons Thon Maker. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

Pascal Siakam

After originally being selected 27th overall by the Toronto Raptors, it took a few years but Pascal Siakam proved that he was worthy of an early lottery selection.

It took until 2018 for him to really start to develop, but his effectiveness on both ends of the floor goes largely unmatched by anyone on the opposing team.

His effortless ability to go on a hot streak goes beyond what anyone ever envisioned from him, and his tenacity as a defender is spectacular.

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One of the most interesting things about Siakam is; has anyone ever, in the history of the NBA, gotten as good as he is this fast?

In the blink of an eye he went from a player who was well on his way to becoming a quality role player to all of the sudden he’s now a top three scoring option on a Finals contending team.

He won the Most Improved Player award last season and somehow got even better this season.

After spending a season next to Kawhi Leonard, (who has since seen his exit to Los Angeles) Siakam’s shot attempts have shot through the roof.

In the 2019-2020 season he’s putting up 18.9 shots per game, scoring 23.6 points and grabbin 7.5 rebounds per game.

He could have been everything that Detroit needed in their front court. He was (and went beyond) everything that the Pistons were looking for.

Drafting and developing him would have negated the necessity to acquire Blake Griffin just under a year later.

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