Pistons NBA Draft: 3 teams that wish they had drafted Isaiah Stewart

Detroit Pistons: The Pelicans really need Isaiah Stewart

The team that probably wishes they had a do-over in the 2020 NBA Draft more than any other is the New Orleans Pelicans, who inexplicably took Kira Lewis Jr. even though they already had a bunch of guards.

Lewis Jr. wasn’t terrible and was part of the rotation for most of the season, but the Pelicans desperately needed defense and shot blocking to help protect superstar Zion Williamson.

I think if the Pels had to do it over again, they would take Saddiq Bey or Isaiah Stewart with the 13th pick. If they had just taken Stewart, not traded for Steven Adams and just rolled with Jaxson Hayes and Stewart as their two centers with Willy Hernagomez as the backup, the Pels could have spent that money on more pressing needs.

Stewart basically provided everything that Adams did, but on a rookie contract and with room to improve. Stewart would have been a nice complement to Zion Williamson, especially if he continues to improve his range from the 3-point line.

Instead, the Pelicans spent $27 million on Adams this season and extended him for two more. Adams is a nice player but that money could have been better spent, especially considering they could have had Isaiah Stewart on a low-cost deal.

The Detroit Pistons hit home runs in the 2020 NBA Draft and a lot of teams are going to regret passing on Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart.