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CBS Sports predicts the Detroit Pistons will trade up to number one

By Nicolas Henkel

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 17: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks looks on during the round seven NBL match between the Sydney Kings and the Illawarra Hawks at Qudos Bank Arena on November 17, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 17: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks looks on during the round seven NBL match between the Sydney Kings and the Illawarra Hawks at Qudos Bank Arena on November 17, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) /
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In a mock draft conducted by CBS Sports, the Detroit Pistons traded up to number one overall.

Just a few hours ago CBS Sports released a mock draft, and to the surprise of many, they predicted that the Detroit Pistons will trade up to number one overall. Naturally, they went on to project that the Pistons will select LaMelo Ball.

The entire mock can be found here. It comes as no major surprise that this could be in the cards for the Pistons, and as General Manager Troy Weaver pointed out over the weekend, trading up in the draft is definitely in the cards.

The question that’s immediately raised now is: What did Detroit give up in order to raise six spots in the order? This was the proposed trade:

Detroit Pistons: The pros and cons of drafting LaMelo Ball. light. Related Story

The rationale given made some decent sense. Minnesota would be getting a seasoned veteran in Tony Snell who will help with their perimeter woes, as they finished just 28th in the league last season in three-point percentage. Additionally, they get a future asset.

On the flip side, the 2021 NBA Draft class is expected to be loaded with talent, and the Pistons will be able to pull off this deal without losing that pick. Instead, they lose it in 2022, and they could still acquire a different one at some point down the line.

If this doesn’t feel like a trade package that you’d normally see for a number one overall pick, you’re right. It’s definitely on the weaker side. However, that comes down to two major factors.

Firstly, the reality is that Detroit doesn’t have a ton of assets to offer, and this is one of the best packages they could send to Minnesota. In all likelihood, the Timberwolves may be able to do better.

Secondly, despite the consistent interest of teams like Minnesota and Golden State to move back in the draft, the market for the picks is hardly existent. This class is underwhelming to a large majority of people, and there doesn’t seem to be sure home run, which has caused tentativeness.

Because of the latter point, you could very well see Minnesota bite the bullet on a trade. The first pick doesn’t hold the value this year as it has in previous ones.

Weaver expressed his interest in Ball, and although the fan base has been pretty split on him, he’d most definitely be a draw for the fans and national attention.

We recently heard his father LaVar express his interest in the Pistons landing his son, which led to speculation that he could fall to Detroit at seventh overall.

Whether you’re on board with his arrival in the Motor City or not, his offensive talent cannot be denied. A true point guard, Ball’s gifted vision has become a staple of his game. His shooting is relatively lackluster, but his ability to spread the wealth is undeniable.

There have been repeated concerns over his ability or his attentiveness on the defensive end, but under a coach like Dwane Casey, it could be resolved.

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