Detroit Pistons 2021 Early Draft Profile: Scottie Barnes
By Ari Eizen
The time has finally come. After a two-year hiatus, one of the most anticipated sports events has returned and fans of the Detroit Pistons should be watching.
March Madness is back!
With March Madness beginning this weekend, fans are rejoicing while rooting on their favorite colleges. Whether it be their alma mater or their hometown team, all fans will definitely be introduced to new NBA prospects whom they have not heard of. Current NBA players such as Portland’s CJ McCollum and Golden State’s Stephen Curry introduced themselves to many basketball fans during this tournament.
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Who is going to be the next player to show their true potential on the national stage? While he is already a projected high-lottery draft pick, Florida State Seminoles freshman Scottie Barnes can vault himself to the top of the draft board.
With the Detroit Pistons holding the worst record in the Eastern Conference, and second-worst in the whole NBA at 11-29, a high lottery draft pick seems imminent for the upcoming NBA draft. Despite the record, the Detroit Pistons have been unusually competitive.
Even with Killian Hayes at least three weeks out from playing, fellow rookies Saddiq Bey, Saben Lee, and Isaiah Stewart have been playing very well alongside breakout Pistons’ star Jerami Grant. While their play has not resulted in wins, it seems as if general manager Troy Weaver is putting together pieces to build a strong future for the Pistons.
Considering the likelihood of a lottery pick, Pistons’ fans should start familiarizing themselves with prospects who could end up in Detroit next season. With March Madness finally here, it is time to see how players perform in the big dance.
Obviously, most Pistons fans have heard the names Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley as potential draft picks. Even though Pistons fans are hoping for a top-two pick, the NBA lottery system does not guarantee the Pistons anything.
Scottie Barnes has the potential to jump the G-League Ignite duo of Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga and Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs as the next man up after Cunningham and Mobley. Scottie Barnes is a versatile player who could have a higher ceiling than anyone in this year’s draft class, including both Cunningham and Mobley.
Let’s take a look at his strengths and weaknesses as well as how he might fit on the Detroit Pistons.