51 years! Detroit Pistons get No. 1 pick after NBA Draft Lottery

Thirteen times previously the Detroit Pistons had been part of the NBA Draft Lottery. Thirteen times the Pistons failed to move up with their own pick.

On Tuesday night, at the Barclays Center, that was all put in the past. The Detroit Pistons received the No. 1 overall selection in the 2021 NBA Draft.

It is the first time the Pistons have drafted first since 1970, when they took future Hall of Fame center Bob Lanier out of St. Bonaventure.

This will only be the fourth time since 1981 the Pistons will draft in the top six. Only the Houston Rockets have had that few high draft choices during that time.

The actual draft will be held on July 29 at 8 p.m. Besides their first rounder, Detroit currently has three selections in the second round.

Ben Wallace, who was recently voted to be in the next class of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, represented the Pistons at the lottery. When asked beforehand if he had brought any lucky charms, paraphrasing, he replied “No, just hard work”.

Detroit will be able to select Cade Cunningham out of Oklahoma State, the consensus No. 1 player of most draft experts. Center Evan Mobley of USC and Jalen Green of the G-League Ignite will most likely also be considered for getting selected.

The important thing is, unlike last year, when the Pistons dropped from fifth to seventh in the lottery, general manager Troy Weaver will not have to wonder who will be available when Detroit picks.

This could also set up the Pistons to be able to swing some deals, knowing they are getting an immediate impact player in the draft.

After Tuesday night, the whole NBA world will be waiting to see who the Pistons take. They get firsts.