NBA Draft Big Board 1.0: Re-thinking the top five of the 2021 Draft
Detroit Pistons Big Board 1.0: Prospects 14-13
14. 64. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Center. Texas. Kai Jones. player
Some fans might think this a bit too high but Kai Jones is one of the most electric athletes in the draft and could be even better in the NBA where his skillset can be better utilized.
Jones is known for his highlight-reel dunks and blocked shots but he projects as a guy who will eventually be able to step out and hit the NBA 3-point shot, as he hit 38 percent in college albeit on a low volume.
He is another guy who is very polarizing, as he is raw but if the Pistons want another athletic and versatile rim runner who can block shots, then Jones could get a look. They probably won’t have a chance at him unless he falls but Jones could end up being a top-ten talent from this draft.
Scouting Report. Shooting guard. 13. 64. Pick Analysis. Oregon. Chris Duarte. player
I wrote about Duarte as one of the best pure shooters from this draft and a guy the Pistons might target in the second round.
This is higher than most people have him simply because he is already age 24 and not many guys that old go in the first round.
But the Detroit Pistons already have plenty of young players and Duarte has a skill they desperately need, which is 3-point shooting. He is also 6-foot-6 and will come into the NBA ready to play.