Sights and sounds from the Detroit Pistons Draft Party

On NBA Draft night, the Detroit Pistons hosted a free draft party at Little Caesars Arena for fans to witness their team’s first number one overall pick in fifty years. I was lucky enough to grab a ticket (they sold out hours before the event), and wanted to share what is was like in such a historic moment.

The doors opened at 7 pm, and by that time, fans were lined up outside ready to see their team select a player that would turn the franchise around. There was a level of optimism and excitement coming from the fans that hasn’t been seen in over a decade. After one of the most successful tanking seasons in NBA history, those in attendance could not wait for the mission of ‘Fade for Cade’ to be completed.

Inside the arena, the Pistons court was not on the center floor. Instead, there was a big stage with a screen, tables and food for VIP fans. The Jumbotron was slightly lower than usual to prevent people from breaking their neck looking up at the screen. There was no reserved seating, fans piled in and sat wherever they pleased, still in audible disbelief that their team had the number one pick in the draft.

After all, in the history of the NBA Draft Lottery in 1985, the Pistons had never moved up with their own pick.

To fill time before the draft, the Pistons brought in longtime Fox Sports Detroit (now Bally Sports) Pistons commentator Greg Kelser (also a former Pistons first-round pick)  on the stage, joined by sideline reporter Brooke Fletcher.

Accompanying them on stage, greeted by likely the loudest cheers they’ve received at LCA in their young careers, were Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart, and Saben Lee. For those curious, Isaiah Stewart was still in a boot from the apparent ankle injury he suffered at the team USA Select camp.

The three rookies, now turning into sophomores, talked about how great it was to have fans back and that they could not wait to see them this upcoming season. Notably, Stewart told the crowd they’re the best fans in basketball and that he can’t wait to have a sold-out crowd for opening night, which was answered with the second loudest cheers of the night. As those three left the floor to standing ovations, the time was nearing for the Pistons to officially be on the clock.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver came on the screen and was greeted with loud, yet playful, boos from the fans at LCA, as is customary with commissioners in most sports. He announced the start of the draft and the Pistons were on the clock.

Every time the camera panned to Cade Cunningham, the arena lost their minds. Some fans even booed when any other prospect not named Cade Cunningham showed up on the screen. Cunningham was the guy and they all knew it.

The pick was in, and you didn’t need eyes to know that. Several fans that you’d think had megaphones yelled “The pick is in!”

As Adam Silver walked onto the stage, every eye at LCA was glued to the jumbotron and as he started talking, it got so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. When the fans heard him utter the first syllable of Cade Cunningham’s name, the arena erupted in a fashion that I personally have not seen unless it was a playoff game.

It was absolutely electric and I made sure to capture the moment.

There was an overwhelming sense of relief, elation, and hope for the team these fans grew up loving. High fives all around, hugs being exchanged. Perhaps even some tears. There was fear from some that because the pick was spoiled earlier in the day by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski revealing Detroit’s intentions, the live reaction to the Cunningham selection would be watered down. Despite Woj trying to rain on the parade, that was anything but the reality. Little Caesars Arena was as live as it probably has been since it became the Pistons home in 2017.

Just seeing Cade put buffs on made the crowd go crazy, as it should. After over a decade of disinterest from the fans, there was a feeling that they finally got the guy they always needed in the draft. And the fact that he wanted to be here? That’s just icing on the cake. And speaking of ice, here was the reaction from Cade putting those buffs on and telling Detroit he’s all in.

The more Cade popped up on the screen, the more they cheered.

The rest of the draft party saw Michigan forward Franz Wagner be drafted eighth overall to the Orlando Magic to join his brother Moe, which received mixed reactions from the many Michigan and Michigan State fans in attendance. But, at the end of the day, they weren’t there because of their college allegiances. They were there for the Detroit Pistons. They saw brighter horizons for their team. They saw Cade Cunningham get drafted to the team they love.

As the night ended and people started leaving, there were nothing but smiles on their faces. Finally. Finally they got their guy. Finally they feel like they have a team worth showing up and supporting. Finally it feels like they’re building the core that could get them championship number four, and a core that’s ready to ‘Go to Work’, or perhaps, back to work.