Detroit Pistons 2021 NBA Draft: Who to take at each position
Best Detroit Pistons draft picks at forward
Small Forward – Scottie Barnes, Florida State
Saddiq Bey is the real deal, and the Detroit Pistons should not draft someone to compete with him, as his spot should be secure in the starting rotation. Barnes will probably not be drafted by Detroit, but it would be interesting to see him play on this team. A defensive specialist, he can defend anyone on the court, and his skillset will transition to the NBA right away. On offense, he may need more time.
He has the potential to be a deep threat, but even if that doesn’t pan out he can still be productive. He is long, strong, and fiercely athletic and can take on anyone at the rim. Imagine the Pistons passing the ball around the arc, when suddenly Barnes pump fakes, drives, and either kicks it out to a shooter or puts an unfortunate defender on a poster.
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Barnes has the potential to be a very exciting slasher, and he’ll provide the defensive leadership Detroit needs. Jonathan Kuminga may be a G-League player, but he can’t pass or defend as well, so Barnes gives Detroit the chance to round out their team and be featured on some highlights, too.
Power Forward – Kai Jones, Texas
Jones was not a starter during his two years as a Longhorn, but that’s okay. He wouldn’t be a starter in Detroit, as Jeremi Grant has taken over as the face of the franchise.
He only played 20 minutes a game this season, but he averaged 9 points and 5 rebounds. He doesn’t turn the ball over and would be a great project. Unfortunately, a building team like Detroit doesn’t need a project.
If for some reason he does suit up in the Motor City, Jones might eventually be a top scorer, but he has to work on his basketball IQ. He fouls a lot and plays reckless defense. He doesn’t turn the ball over a lot, but in college he wasn’t expected to handle the ball that much, so the NBA standards may be a shock for him.
Coming off the bench he could provide some spacing and shooting, as well as high-energy athleticism. His ceiling resembles Pascal Siakam, who also was not expected to be as good as he ended up being, but realistically Jones will be a serviceable backup to Grant and an average NBA starter who gets featured in GIFs for his uncanny vertical.