Detroit Pistons updated 2022 NBA Draft big board top 5

Detroit Pistons 2022 NBA Draft big board top-5

#2: Chet Holmgren, Center, Gonzaga

I have heard all of the concerns about Holmgren’s lack of size and strength, which is eerily reminiscent of how people talked about Kevin Durant, who was also rail thin coming out of college. Portland went with the guy who looked like a 45 year old man instead and the rest is history.

I am not saying Holmgren is Durant by any means but it’s hard to pass up a seven-footer who can do the kinds of things he can do. People forget that Durant is a seven footer because he is so smooth with the ball, but part of the reason his shot is so unstoppable is because HE IS TALL.

I know that is simplistic, but a seven footer who can put the ball on the floor and shoot threes is not a common occurrence. Even if Holmgren never becomes an elite scorer, he is generational shot blocker who is averaging 3.6 per game and can absolutely win games with his defense.

Yes, he has some flaws, but if the Detroit Pistons walked away from the draft with Holmgren, I’d be excited.

I think his shot blocking consistency has moved him up the board a bit and the fact that he is shooting 37 percent from long range doesn’t hurt.

#1: Jabari Smith, Forward, Auburn

Rarely does a team get to draft for both need and potential, but Jabari Smith would offer the Detroit Pistons that chance.

He has the kind of size they need. He has the potential to be an elite defender who can guard multiple spots on the floor. He can rebound and most importantly, he is a lights-out shooter who is hitting 45 percent of his 3-point shots on over five attempts per game, not bad for a guy who is 6-foot-10.

He shoots 83 percent from the line, a good sign those 3-point numbers are not a fluke and the idea of him and Cade Cunningham in the pick and roll is very appealing, as their size and ability to shoot would make them tough to stop.

Smith is also younger than Banchero, Ivey and Holmgren, a full year younger than Chet.

Because he checks every box and has the type of high-ceiling potential the Pistons need, I am putting Jabari Smith at the top of the Detroit big board for now.