Detroit Pistons draft picks: 4 International prospects with first-round talent

The Detroit Pistons will have some interesting options in the second round, including taking a flyer on an international player with upside.

One way to amass talent is to select an international player and then stash them overseas so that teams can keep their draft rights without giving up a roster spot.

There are several international prospects who fall into this category in 2021, as they are young, have plenty of upside, but may need more time to develop overseas.

The Detroit Pistons have time, so this is a solid strategy in the draft, as they might be able to snag a first-round talent in the second-round.

Of course, there is some amount of risk to this, as many international players have not played against top competition so it is difficult to know what they can be.

The Detroit Pistons will likely be picking in the mid to late 40’s as they have a second-round pick coming from the Toronto Raptors and one from the Charlotte Hornets.

So we took a look at four guys who could fall into that range but might have first-round talent.

Potential Pistons draft picks: Usman Garuba- Power forward, Real Madrid

Usman Garuba definitely fits the profile of a guy with upside who will need more time to develop. He is a very raw prospect, especially on the offensive end, but has some tantalizing upside on defense.

He is a 6-foot-8 forward who has the length to defend all over the floor and is already a good shot blocker with active hands. He can run and is a lob threat on the fast break, so he fits the mold of what Troy Weaver seems to like, which is athletic guys who have length and can defend.

Like many who fit that description, Garuba can’t shoot and would need a lot of work on that end. He would be a draft-and-stash candidate, as he definitely needs more time but his athleticism and defensive upside should eventually get him a look from someone.