2021 NBA Draft: Pistons should consider Scottie Barnes starting at #3

Detroit Pistons: How does NBA Draft prospect Scottie Barnes fit

One of the reasons I think the Detroit Pistons should take Barnes starting at pick #3 is because they have the time and in the rotation to develop Barnes. He is a long-term investment who could be developed to take Grant’s role should he depart in after his deal is up or he is traded. He definitely does not profile as shooter the way Grant is, but he is a far superior playmaker and just as great of a finisher.

Barnes definitely has shooting support already in place with Saddiq Bey and Jerami Grant for sure returning, Frank Jackson very likely staying on with the team, Wayne Ellington being a possibility to stay as a vet they really like, and even Deividas Sirvydis, Hamidou Diallo, and Beef Stew showing promise as long-range shooters. And really a Barnes/Saddiq combo at forward is a strong defensive presence while also being a pair with complementary skills on offense. Saddiq shoots and Barnes finishes.

Barnes’ ability as a passer and to run pick-and-roll will help unlock a lot more open shot opportunities not just for Bey’s 3 ball, but also Beef Stew as a roller, Diallo as a cutter, and give Killian more off-ball opportunities the way Coach Casey has talked about.

His lack of a “true” position should be more attractive for a team like the Detroit Pistons who really are just looking to build a talented young core that fits together. They could spend this 2021-22 season throwing out lineups like Killian-Barnes-Saddiq-Grant-Beef Stew to see if Barnes can continue to develop his guard skills and create a huge mismatch with his size.

Barnes is one of the bigger gambles in the draft since his skillset isn’t based around being a shooter, but I think he is definitely worth that gamble as he will pay out in multiple ways on the court.