Detroit Pistons: Appropriate reactions to each NBA Draft lottery scenario
By Ethan Wolfe
Detroit Pistons get the No. 2 Pick (13.4%): See, we can have nice things.
Alas, Cunningham will likely be donning another uniform.
But the top-end talent is deep enough to convince yourself he may not even be the best fit for the Detroit Pistons.
Jalen Green might be the best scorer in the draft, giving the Pistons a lightning bolt that it’s long been missing.
Evan Mobley could be the next unicorn given his unique size and skillset combination. Of course, Kristaps Porzingis is the last draftee to be branded as a “unicorn”, but the tape on Mobley suggests him and Isaiah Stewart could create a special frontcourt duo.
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The second pick doesn’t offer the same fanfare or put the spotlight on Detroit had it won the top pick. Perhaps, that’s a positive.
If the Pistons pick here, there is no reason for anything but smiles. The only downside is the uncertainty that lingers until the draft.
Detroit Pistons get the No. 3 Pick (12.7%): No problems here.
Most draft pundits are saying there are three or four star-level talents in this year’s class with Cunningham, Mobley, Green, and Jalen Suggs as the debatable fourth star.
With the third overall pick, at least the Pistons fall under that threshold in either situation. Here, whoever remains between Green or Mobley should be the selection. And to that, ¡salud!
It’s possible that Suggs would be a proper fit for whoever picks No. 2, leaving both desired choices on the table with the next pick.
Here, the Pistons’ options are obviously more limited. In my eyes, it’s almost a neater conclusion. Whoever is available, Detroit can take them and wipe their hands. They did what they could.
Once again, I hoot and holler.
Detroit Pistons get the No. 4 Pick (11.9%): It’ll do.
Here, the negative thoughts creep in.
One of Mobley, Green, or Suggs will be available and should be the pick in this slot. That is great! Suggs presents a more questionable team fit than the others, but the skill and maturity are undeniable.
He looked like one of the best players in college basketball night in and night out and helped Gonzaga get to the biggest stage.
No matter what, fans should be pleased with this pick no matter the player.
As for feelings on the lottery as a whole? Frustration is understandable. As was apparent for, well, the whole season, the lottery doesn’t discourage tanking. And if Detroit falls two picks from its record, two “undeserving” teams will catapult up.
This was known the whole time. This tanking season was done based on this chance. But it will be difficult to not feel slighted regardless.
Be happy, and hope another team falls in love with Suggs.