One thing the Detroit Pistons will have to consider when making their 2021 draft selection is how that player fits with the young guys they already have, including Killian Hayes, Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart.
We’ve already looked at how Cade Cunningham might fit with Hayes, as well as how Evan Mobley might look playing alongside Isaiah Stewart.
Another guy who is definitely on the Pistons’ radar is G-league shooting guard Jalen Green, who some believe will end up being the best player in this draft.
Even if the Pistons were to get the number one pick overall, there are some who believe they should trade down to get Green while picking up a haul of assets in the process.
There are certainly some pros and cons to trading the number one pick, but it would be a home run if the Pistons could pick up a bunch of assets and get the best player anyway.
But how would Jalen Green fit with Killian Hayes? There is a lot to like about this pairing, which could be the Pistons’ backcourt for the next decade.
Detroit Pistons: Jalen Green would give Pistons elite perimeter defense
Jalen Green and Killian Hayes would have defensive potential not seen on the Pistons for a very long time.
Green could end up being the best perimeter defender in this draft, and would give the Pistons two guys with plus size on the perimeter.
Both Hayes and Green project as two guys who can defend the entire perimeter, so the Pistons would be sticking with their model of building around defense and could be one of the best in the NBA with a lineup of Hayes, Green, Saddiq Bey, Jerami Grant and Isaiah Stewart.
That is a whole lot of length, versatility and athleticism on the defensive end, especially when you then factor in Josh Jackson and/or Hamidou Diallo off the bench.
If the Detroit Pistons truly want to build around defense, then Green might be the best fit.