Who are the top-5 on the Detroit Pistons 2022 NBA Draft big board?
The Detroit Pistons have the worst record in the NBA, so even though is only early December, it’s not too soon to think about who they might take in the 2022 NBA Draft.
If the season ended today, the Pistons would be guaranteed a top-5 pick, which is the one statistical advantage of finishing with the league’s worst record.
The team has a number of needs, but they are not in a position to draft for fit, as they need talent all over the place and will just take the best player available no matter what.
Luckily, most of the guys available at the top of the draft also fit the Pistons’ need for shooting, athleticism and a big who plays above the rim.
Here are the five (actually six) players that I would currently put at the top of the Detroit Pistons 2022 NBA Draft big board.
#5: The two Jaden’s
Last season there was a plethora of Jalens and this year it’s Jadens. Both Jaden Hardy and Jaden Ivey are shooting guards who would fit the Pistons need for more athleticism and skill at the position.
Cade Cunningham and Killian Hayes are basically 1 and 1A, but after them the Pistons have a steep drop-off in talent at the guard position. Josh Jackson doesn’t seem to be part of the long-term plans and could be traded soon.
Related Story. Cade Cunningham and Killian Hayes proving to be a great fit. light
Hamidou Diallo has shown flashes but he’s not much of an offensive threat, and Frank Jackson is a decent role player but hardly a guy who would stop you from drafting another guard.
Jaden Hardy is currently in the G-League and is already putting up big numbers. He is a plus athlete who is super quick, can score from all three levels, set up teammates and rebound his position. He has a little Jalen Green feel to him.
Jaden Ivey from Purdue is another lightning quick guard with hops who would give the Pistons another guy who can get to the rim and finish. He is a plus defender and can also score from all three levels.
Depending on where the Detroit Pistons end up choosing, I could see them adding one of these two guards, and either would be a great fit with Cade Cunningham.