Top 3 NBA Draft prospect fits for the Detroit Pistons
Best NBA Draft prospect fits for the Detroit Pistons
Jaden Ivey: G Purdue
Jaden Ivey has wowed fans during his career at Purdue and he plays the game with a chip on his shoulder. His confidence is at a all time after his success in the Big Ten Conference. He is a projected top five prospect on every draft board and he’ll be ready to make his mark on the league come draft night.
Ivey’s the true definition of a scoring guard. He has the explosiveness to get into the paint and the athletic ability to finish once there. He averaged 17.4 points 4.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists in his second season, making this sophomore sensation one of college basketball’s most electrifying prospects.
He showed a substantial amount of growth from his freshman year. He puts the work in and his numbers prove it. He increased in every statistical category offensively with the Boilermakers in year two.
Most scouts questioned his three-point range coming into the season. After shooting a dismal 25.2 percent his first season he became a more consistent threat, shooting 35.6 percent this year. That’s a +10 on the percentage point scale, on almost six attempts per game. A huge increase after just one off-season of preparation. That increase made defenses respect him enough to open other nuances of his game. Driving lanes became available and he took full advantage in most instances.
What he brings to the Detroit Pistons is scoring punch
Jaden Ivey will be a offensive weapon whereever he ends up. A back court consisting of him and Cade Cunningham would be a sight for sore eyes in Detroit. They can both handle the basketball, and exploit mismatches.
Cade is cerebral taking advantage of what the defenses give him. Ivey forces the action applying pressure whenever he has the ball. He’s good in pick and roll and developed as a solid passer, mix that with his isolation ability and he’s a walking bucket. Jaden would be a upgrade from Cory Joseph and Cunningham and Ivey would be strong tandem in today’s guard driven league.
Ivey gets to the free throw line 5.7 times a game, which usually translates to the NBA. He blows past defenders, getting to the rim before the big can position himself. High level scorers usually live at the line and Ivey projects to be one of those guys.
Ivey is more of a slasher and driver of the basketball. If his outside shot continues to improve he could be the perfect backcourt partner for Cade, who enjoys playing with space giving him room to facilitate the offense. Knocking down shots in catch and shoot situations would be ideal for whoever is paired with him. If the Detroit Pistons feel that he’ll continue to improve in that area Jaden Ivey could be playing home games at Little Caesars Arena this fall. Player comparison for Jaden Ivey? With the right development he could emerge as a Donavon Mitchell type player.