The Detroit Pistons are hoping to land in the top-4 of this year’s NBA Draft. They currently have the third-worst record, so have maximum odds to stay in the top-4, but could drop as far as 7th.
Even though there is no consensus on who the #1 pick will be, there are three players who would be ideal fits for the Detroit Pistons.
Best NBA Draft prospect fits for the Detroit Pistons
Jabari Smith: PF Auburn
Jabari Smith is a 6-foot-10, 215 lb. power forward who has been one of the best players in the nation for the Auburn Tigers. As a freshman, he led the program to a number two seed in the Midwest region of the NCAA tournament. Under the tutelage of legendary coach Bruce Pearl he is considered the front runner to be called first in this year’s draft by many draft experts.
At just nineteen years old, Smith posted some strong numbers, averaging 17.1 points 7.1 rebounds 2.9 assists 1.0 blocks and 1.5 steals. He did this in just under thirty minutes (28.4 mpg) a game which makes those stats more impressive. I see him as a prospect able to fit in with any style of play.
If he landed in Detroit it would be a match made in heaven. He could become the modern day stretch big this team needs. His defensive awareness, and shooting touch with his size would change the complexion of the team next year. If he’s on the board when the Pistons pick it should be a easy selection for General Manager Troy Weaver.
He would bring versatility to the Pistons on both ends
Filling up stat sheets is what he does best. With his versatile skill set, he scores both inside and out, and in pick and roll situations with Cade Cunningham he could be extremely effective. His ability to roll to the basket or flare to the three point line would cause fits for coaching staffs.
He’s arguably the most versatile big in this draft class. Grabbing rebounds and taking it the length of the floor something he does with ease. He’s shown he can facilitate the offense, provide serviceable rim protection, and score. He’s a elite knock-down shooter boasting a 43.8 percentage from three during his one year with Auburn. Most big men with his outside shooting touch don’t provide the intangibles Smith possesses.
Defensively he can impose his will on the game as a vocal player. He’s a leader on the floor communicating to get guys to get in position on that end. He has excellent footwork, and turns his hips quickly to cut off lanes, something that is a must for bigs in the NBA. His mobility will translate to the league well, especially when switching in pick and roll. He has the lateral quickness to stay in front of smaller guards. His length allows him to recover well when needed, contesting once a player commits to their shot.
Smith is going to be a solid pro and I personally feel he has one of the highest floors in this class. I could see him developing in Detroit similar to how Jaren Jackson Jr did with the Memphis Grizzlies. Both can have a significant impact on both ends of the floor. There’s been several player comparisons from NBA draft scouts regarding Jabari Smith. Usually I’ll stay clear of comparing prospects to past players, but if I had to make a comparison I’ll say Antwan Jamison.
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.
Best NBA Draft prospect fits for the Detroit Pistons
Paolo Banchero: PF Duke
Paolo Banchero is probably the most offensively versatile player in this draft. He has shined for the Blue Devils in Coach Krzyzewski’s final season at the helm. Providing scoring and facilitation, he has the ability to orchestrate offense from anywhere on the court. He’s not expected to be on the board long, anything past three would be surprising.
In his one year at Duke he averaged 17.0 points 7.8 rebounds and dished out 3.1 assists. His efficiency has been on full display all year shooting 47 percent from the field. Banchero could be a replacement at power forward for Jerami Grant if the Pistons decide to move him this off-season.
He’s gotten high praise from Cade Cunningham, which could give him the upper hand with the front office.
What Banchero brings to the Pistons scoring/secondary playmaker
His three assists per game might not jump off the stat sheet to most fans. However, when looking at the tape, Banchero seems to be a more fluent distributor than his numbers suggest.
Paolo’s points produced were 582, that’s more than Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, Jaden Ivey, and the last two number one picks. His usage rate of 27.9 speaks volumes to how Duke depended on him in the regular season. Paola takes care of the basketball, having a turnover rate (estimated turnovers per 100 possessions) of 13.5 percent in this role, which isn’t bad at all, especially for a power forward.
To put this in perspective, Cade Cunningham had a similar usage at 29.1 with a 18.7 percent turnover rate in his one year at Oklahoma State, which shows Banchero can potentially be a secondary ball handler in the Pistons offense.
In the half court set he can score in a variety of ways. Using his body to create space is something he showed consistently out of the post. His handle makes him special, he can create off the dribble at his size. He gets to the basket and finishes strong. His mid-range jump shot is the best of the top prospects. He can catch and face up, play out of the pick and roll, or simply post up smaller defenders. Banchero bringing a multi-dimensional offensive skill set would be huge for the restoration process.
Paolo Banchero has the perfect blend of size, skill and mobility. He’s like a guard with the ball in his hands. Paola is a nightmare to deal with he can drive strong one way then spin back leaving defenders in the dust. He’s a underrated offensive rebounder, cleaning up a lot of his own misses with his quick second jump. Player comparison for Paola Banchero? The variety of ways he gets his offense reminds me of a young Carmelo Anthony.
There are certainly other players the Detroit Pistons will consider, but of the top picks, these three are the best fits.