4 games with potential Detroit Pistons draft picks to watch today
The Detroit Pistons will have their eye on at least four different NCAA Tournament games today that could have potential draft picks.
The Pistons will have three picks heading into the 2021 Draft, one in the first round that they are hoping lands in the top five and two in the second that are currently the 38th and 44th picks, though that could change.
The Pistons have the third-worst record in the NBA as of the writing of this, behind the Timberwolves and Rockets who may not win another game this season between them.
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Of course, the Pistons will still have a number of choices when it comes to the draft, even if they don’t land the number one pick. They could potentially trade up for someone like Cade Cunningham if they think he is the guy, so it’s not the end of the world if the Pistons don’t land the number one pick outright.
The top five is probably a tier above the rest of the draft but there is impact talent up and down the big boards, including players from four different games today.
Here are potential Pistons draft picks that are in their current range and would be nice fits in Detroit.
Here are four games to watch today.
Possible Detroit Pistons draft picks: Iowa vs. Oregon
Prospects to watch: Luka Garza (IOWA), Chris Duarte (ORE)
Luka Garza is a classic case of the great college player maybe not being a fit in the NBA. The senior has been one of the best players in college basketball for several years but is projected to go in the second round if he is taken at all.
It’s crazy, as a center who scored 23.7 points and pulled down 8.7 rebounds would have been in the running for the number one pick at one point but is now considered a fringe NBA talent because of the way the game has changed. However, Garza can step away from the basket and hit the 3-point shot, so could end up being a stretch-five off someone’s bench.
If he can refine his skills to be more of a playmaker while extending his range, he could end up being a nice NBA player even though he will be one of the older players in the draft. If the Detroit Pistons used a second-round pick on Garza, who better to mentor him than Mason Plumlee?
Chris Duarte is another senior who is expected to go in the second round but might get a look from the Detroit Pistons. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard has good size and can shoot the ball, two things the Pistons will be looking for in any guard they draft.
He is an active defender with quick hands and is an accurate shooter from all over the floor. He will be one of the oldest players in the draft at 24, so could come in and play right away, at least in a minor role.
Most teams are loathe to take a chance on older prospects but these two could both make an impact and could help their draft status by extending their tournament for another game.