Detroit Pistons shouldn’t shy away from James Wiseman

The Doses of Reality

The Detroit Pistons are currently in line to have the No. 5 overall selection at the 2020 NBA Draft. That could change due to the lottery, but it’s the position at which Detroit can currently evaluate its options as far as prospects are concerned.

As such, there’s a legitimate possibility that James Wiseman won’t even be on the board when it’s the Pistons’ turn to select a new cornerstone—the first dose of reality.

If Wiseman is available at No. 5 overall, the decision may become easier to make. The talent level is absolutely undeniable, as Wiseman has all of the traits of a potentially elite center—whether in the modern NBA or an era from yesteryear.

That should appeal to a franchise that could pair him with a contemporary All-Star in Blake Griffin in the short-term and a building block in Sekou Doumbouya in the long-term.

It’s also possible that the Pistons could move up and select somewhere between No. 1 and No. 3. That could complicate matters and bring new prospects into the mix, but even then, Wiseman should remain at or near the top of the board.

The former No. 1 overall high school recruit has talent to explore and the film to suggest that he’s closer to realizing his potential than some might presume.

If the Detroit Pistons have a chance to draft James Wiseman, they shouldn’t shy away from the opportunity to do so.