PistonPowered
Fansided

NBA Draft: How can the Detroit Pistons get the No. 1 pick

By Stuart London

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 30: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 30: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
PORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 12: James Wiseman #32 of the Memphis Tigers walks up court during the first half of the game against the Oregon Ducks. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 12: James Wiseman #32 of the Memphis Tigers walks up court during the first half of the game against the Oregon Ducks. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

Shooting for the top

The Minnesota Timberwolves hold the No. 1 overall pick. They have an all-star center/forward in Karl-Anthony Towns and an all-star lead guard in D’Angelo Russell they are high on. Of course, those are the positions of the top draft prospects.

The site Dunkinwithwolves believes Detroit could be a factor for getting the pick, they just question if the Pistons have enough things to give the T-Wolves in return.

One big factor to consider is that Minnesota shipped both its first and second round picks in 2021 to Golden State in the Andrew Wiggins trade.

The seventh pick could give the Timberwolves a very good player at a position of need, like small forward or shooting guard. Or they could package it with the 17th pick they have, and still get a top 5 selection.

Related Story. Detroit Pistons make a big trade in recent mock draft, worth it?. light

Minnesota certainly would have a lot of options if they went from 1 to 7.

The Timberwolves would also probably love to be rid of 33-year-old James Johnson’s $15-million contract  for next year. Minnesota needs defense so the Pistons could send them 28-year-old defensive whiz Tony Snell, plus a young player to have the salaries match.

If Minnesota wants draft picks and does not want Johnson, a reasonable trade could look like this:

Assuming Blake Griffin is in good health and with Derrick Rose another year away from his injuries, combined with the No. 1 pick, the Pistons should win enough games where its 2021 draft choice would most likely be in the middle of the pack, hardly a devastating blow to lose.

Who exactly the Pistons will pick at No. 1 is up to Weaver and the scouting department. However, the fans can come to Little Caesars Arena with a bright, young star for the team to build around and give hope for the future.

This move would certainly be a big splash for new GM Weaver and, assuming we don’t have an Anthony Bennett situation (historical bust) a very good first impression.

Of course, many other teams will be throwing offers at Minnesota. Everyone likes being the top dog on draft Night (just  not the reason for having the pick).

But, with no obvious top player, the second overall draft might be just as good. The Pistons could give the Golden State Warriors a ring.