The Detroit Pistons look to have found some gems in the draft. But how good can they be?
After many years of whiffing in the draft, it looks as though the Detroit Pistons finally found some players.
Although rookie Killian Hayes went down with an injury, he flashed some elite skills for a 19-year-old trying to learn point guard in the NBA. His recovery from injury has to be one of the Pistons’ top priorities right now.
Isaiah Stewart has already endeared himself to Pistons’ fans with his rebounding and physical play. He is currently second among all rookies in rebounding and first in staredowns with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Saddiq Bey looks like the steal of the draft, especially considering the Pistons got him with the 19th pick. He’d be top-five if we did it again, and it looks like the Pistons finally did something right when they jettisoned Luke Kennard to get Bey.
All three have shown promise, but what are their ceilings? Which players to they most resemble?
Isaiah Stewart looks like a young Ben Wallace
Ok, it is WAY WAY WAY too early for this.
Ben Wallace doesn’t get enough respect for being one of the greatest defensive players of all time, a guy who should 100 percent be in the Hall of Fame.
But there are some similarities, no?
Stewart and Wallace are nearly the same size and Stewart is actually 10 lbs. heavier and a lot stronger than Ben Wallace was when he came into the league.
Stewart is playing 17 minutes a game, scoring 3.9 points, grabbing five rebounds and blocking nearly a shot per game. Not bad for 17 minutes.
Ben Wallace didn’t get 17 minutes per game until his second season (16.8) and averaged 3.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
Wallace’s numbers just kept going up until he led the league in rebounding, was one of the best shot blockers in the NBA and eventually made All-NBA as a center.
I’m not saying Stewart will ever do any of those things but his style of play, physique and early stats are eerily reminiscent to Big Ben and it’s hard to overlook.