Who are the top-5 on the Detroit Pistons 2022 NBA Draft big board?

Detroit Pistons 2022 NBA Draft big board #2: Paolo Banchero

I think you could put the next two guys in any order and you’d get no argument from me. With Jerami Grant’s contract expiring after next season, the Pistons could look for his replacement in a guy like Banchero, who pretty much provides everything they need.

He is a high flyer who is committed on the defensive end and projects as an elite defender. He has great size at 6-foot-10, can score from all three levels and plays with an edge, which I really like.

If the Pistons ended up with Banchero I’d be very happy, as he is not only one of the most talented players but also checks a lot of boxes for what Detroit needs.

#1: Jabari Smith

Smith and Banchero are very similar players as forwards with great size who can do a lot of things. They both can score from all three levels, play tenacious defense and can grab rebounds. Banchero may be a slightly better athlete, but they would both help Detroit in that department.

What puts Smith slightly above Banchero (for me) is his shooting, as he projects to be a plus NBA 3-point shooter, which is exactly what the Pistons need. If you put a guy like this around Cade Cunningham, the potential is limitless, as he is hitting 44 percent of his 3-point shots on 5.1 attempts per game, elite numbers for a forward.

The Pistons have chosen some great years to be bad, as there is once again a lot of high-ceiling talent on the draft board and Detroit should be able to add another impact player to their core.