The Detroit Pistons will have one of the top six picks in the NBA Draft, which will be revealed in tonight’s NBA Draft Lottery.
There is a consensus top four in this draft, but it is a deep draft and there should even be some talent available in the second round.
Detroit is hoping to stay in the top-3 but as long as they don’t fall past four I think fans will be happy.
What are the Detroit Pistons lottery odds?
Detroit has a 14 percent chance at the number one pick and a 52.1 percent chance of landing in the top four, so even though the odds are slightly in their favor, there’s still a very good chance the Pistons get pick five or six. UGH.
This wouldn’t be the worst thing ever, as there are still talented players outside of the top four, but the Pistons might miss out on that franchise-altering talent they’ve long been seeking.
Let’s take look at who Detroit would likely take with each of the top six picks and I will write this while knocking on wood and wearing a horseshoe around my neck.
Detroit Pistons draft picks: The Pistons select Cade Cunningham with the first pick in the NBA Draft
I don’t think it is any secret or surprise that the Pistons or any other team is going to take Cunningham with the first pick in the NBA Draft.
People will try to talk themselves out out of this over the next few weeks, but Cunningham is the guy. He is a 6-foot-8 point guard who can shoot from all three levels and play tough defense, so while he might not be in the same category as Zion Williamson or LeBron James, he isn’t far behind when it comes to NBA prospects.
The fit with Killian Hayes is there, and even if it wasn’t, the Pistons would still take Cunningham.
Detroit Pistons draft picks: The Pistons take Evan Mobley with pick #2
If the Pistons drop to the second pick, I think they will take Evan Mobley out of USC.
The combo forward/center is already a plus rim protector and rebounder, and has potential to be the next unicorn on offense.
He has slick handles for a seven-footer, and projects to eventually have NBA 3-point range as well. He might be the best “fit” of any of the players in the Draft and he and Isaiah Stewart would form a formidable duo in the front court.
The Pistons definitely need scoring but the potential of Mobley is too much to pass up.
Detroit Pistons Draft Picks: Jalen Green is the pick at #3
If the Pistons end up with the 3rd pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, they will take Jalen Green, who could end up being the best player in this draft and is someone that is always talked about as a good fit on the Pistons with Killian Hayes.
Green is a dynamic scorer, perhaps the most talented in the draft, and has already played a year of professional basketball in the G-League.
He has the attitude of a Weaver guy and I love his confidence, as he truly believes he is the best player in this draft and will have a huge chip on his shoulder when he doesn’t go #1 overall.
Green will come into the league ready to play and would be a welcome addition to the Pistons.
Detroit Pistons Draft Picks: The Pistons will take Jalen Suggs at #4
The first four picks are pretty easy to predict, as there are four guys who are a tier above the rest.
Jalen Suggs might not be the best fit on paper, but he has the type of talent and all-around game to fit in with just about any roster.
Suggs is a playmaker first but he can also score, defend and rebound, so he will make an impact right away and is definitely one of the smartest players in this draft.
He showed he is a winner, leading Gonzaga to the NCAA championship game and having some huge moments along the way.
Detroit Pistons Draft Picks: James Bouknight is the pick at #5
A lot of people think there is a consensus top five in this draft that includes Jonathan Kuminga. But Kuminga has been flying under the radar for the Pistons and may represent too big a risk, as he is a raw player who will need a few years to develop.
The Pistons already have one of those in Sekou Doumbouya, so I think they’ll go with a guy with a higher floor. Bouknight has long been rumored to be a Weaver favorite and he would be a nice fit, as he is a dynamic scorer who can fill it up from all over the floor.
I think the Pistons will go with a guard if they don’t get Mobley and Bouknight would be a nice addition as a scoring guard with Killian Hayes.
Detroit Pistons Draft Picks: The mystery of pick #6
If you’ve been a fan of Detroit for awhile then you are completely, 100 percent expecting the worst-case scenario in the NBA Draft Lottery.
That would mean the Pistons getting the 6th pick, which is as far as they can possibly drop. There are a lot of options here.
Kuminga is the obvious choice, as he has the most high-ceiling talent, but I could also see Detroit going with someone like Scottie Barnes from Florida State.
My gut tells me they will still go with a guard here, and Moses Moody might be one option. He is a long, athletic guard who can defend and shoot 3-point shots, which is pretty much exactly what the Pistons need, though he might not have the ceiling of Kuminga.
Troy Weaver has shown a keen eye for talent, so I am certain he will get the right guy no matter where he picks in the NBA Draft.
Cross your fingers, chant, sacrifice a chicken, whatever you have to do, folks, as Detroit needs some big time luck in the Lottery.