An optimistic vision for the future of the Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons have the worst record in the NBA and are currently missing their two best players, so now is not the greatest time to be a Pistons’ fan.
Of course, we always have Cade Cunningham to look forward to, but with him out, there isn’t much to be excited about.
Those of you who read my stuff regularly know that I refer to myself as “Homer #1” for the Detroit Pistons and always try to look at things through rose colored glasses.
That is why after what seems like centuries of losing, I do think the Pistons are on the brink of being competitive and that Troy Weaver’s vision is coming into focus if you squint hard enough.
So as we head into the new year, I’d like to offer an optimistic vision of what the Detroit Pistons could look like next season, which will be year three of the restoration.
Detroit Pistons in the 2022 NBA Draft
While the 2022 NBA Draft doesn’t look to be as top-heavy as last season’s, there are still some very good players, and if Detroit can land in the top four or five, they will get one of them.
I’ve seen conflicting viewpoints of who the Pistons would take with the number one pick, with some outlets saying Chet Holmgren while others say Paolo Banchero or Jabari Smith.
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I’d be happy with any of these three and all of them offer skills the Pistons definitely need as well as high-ceiling talent.
I’ve already written about what Banchero or Smith might look like as a future replacement for Jerami Grant, but for the purposes of this, I am going to say the Pistons draft unicorn shot blocking machine Chet Holmgren.
I like Holmgren as power forward more than a center, as he can shoot from range and would be tough to stop on a pick-and-pop with the Pistons’ guards.
He might be the only one in the 2022 NBA Draft who has a “generational” skill, as he swats 3.6 per game in just 25 minutes on average.
Like I said, I’d also be happy with either of the other guys, who are more athletic and probably have better all-around offense, but Chet not only has the highest ceiling but also provides two skills the Pistons need in shot blocking and 3-point shooting.