As it stands now, the Detroit Pistons have two draft picks in the upcoming 2022 NBA Draft – their highly coveted top lottery pick and the 46th pick that previously belonged to the Brooklyn Nets.
There has been plenty of speculation regarding the top draft pick, which has a 52.1% chance of landing in the top four. Debate around this selection will be on the forefront of Pistons’ discourse over the next couple months.
As with most second round picks, not much has been written about the Pistons’ options with the 46th pick. We are still far out from the draft, so there is a chance the Pistons move this pick or even try to add more draft capital. Right now, we are going to operate under the assumption that the team will just have one second round pick.
So what do the Pistons need to look for in the second round?
We all can agree they need to address shooting, or lack thereof. Detroit was second to last in the league in three-point percentage, just in front the Oklahoma City Thunder. There is definitely a correlation between three-point percentage and win-loss record as the Orlando Magic were near the bottom as well.
The Pistons were also bottom five in three-pointers made per game with 11.3.
It’s pretty simple – if the Pistons plan on contending for a playoff spot as early as next season, they need to really bolster their shooting.
There are plenty of options for shooters in the draft, but the league’s constant demand for this skill has pushed some prospects just out of the Pistons second round range. North Carolina guard, Caleb Love is a good example. He likely played his way up into the end of the first round during March Madness.
There are, however, some solid options will be available in the mid to late second round. Many of these prospects have some faults in the eyes of scouts, whether it be age, versatility, or athleticism. The important thing is that they can all shoot.
Pistons draft: 2nd round shooters from top programs
A trio of wings that just played in the Final Four are all good options with the 46th pick.
Let’s start off with Kansas wing Christian Braun. Many are left with a great last impression of him leading the Jayhawks to a win in the National Championship.
Braun is a 6-foot-7, athletic guard/forward. He is great off the ball, making himself available on catch-and-shoot opportunities. He can create shots off the bounce as well and runs hard in transition. In this junior season, Braun averaged 14.1 points per game on 38.6% shooting from three. He also shot a decent 73% from the free throw line.
The Pistons would be smart to take a shot on Braun as he can be a bigger two-guard or even fit in as a forward. He is more that just a shooter and could be molded into a solid defensive option.
Two other options here are Duke swingmen – Trevor Keels and Wendell Moore.
Moore is currently projected as the higher upside option as he could be a prototypical 3-and-D player in the NBA. He can be streaky, but showed the ability to get hot during his Junior season. He averaged over 13 points per game on 41% shooting from three.
Similar to Moore, teammate Trevor Keels possesses some shooting talent plus other strengths. Possibly even streakier, Keels shot it at a decent clip for Duke. He played really well in the Final Four loss to North Carolina and was able to showcase his strong frame and offensive potential.
The Pistons couldn’t go wrong with either of these two guys. We know that Duke develops pros and both Moore and Keels will come into the NBA ready to play. Both may not have eye-popping potential or a crazy high ceiling, but with the second round pick the Pistons just need a guy that can stick in the league and knock down shots.
Pistons draft: Second-round sleepers
These three prospects will all be available for the Pistons to take a shot on with the 46th pick or possibly even wait and pick them up if they go undrafted.
Gabe Brown from Michigan State is the best option here. He is long, standing about 6-foot-8, and can knock down jumpers. He shot 42% from three as a junior and 38% from three on a higher volume in his senior season. He also shot almost 90% from the free throw line during his college career, something that usually is reflects shooting potential in the pros.
Brown is uber-athletic as a leaper and could develop into a solid 3-and-D option at forward. The biggest question mark here is his overall game as he doesn’t make plays for others and didn’t put up great rebounding numbers. Similar to Duke, Michigan State guys come ready to play from day one and you never need to question their work ethic.
Another option here is Kaiden Rice from Georgetown. Rice will be 23-years-old on draft night, but don’t let that deter you. He can flat out shoot the ball. On 8.3 attempts per game, Rice shot 37% from three. Scouts will be afraid that he only had just over one two-point attempt per game, and rightfully so, but as a 6-foot-7 shooter, Rice is at least worth a look.
Lastly, if the Pistons are looking for a shooting big, Nate Laszewski could be the move here. He is a 6-10 mobile center from Notre Dame and shot 45% from three last season. He also led the Fighting Irish is rebounds. We’ve seen prospects like Laszewski before, but the difference here is his combination of shooting, size, and his willingness to bang down low.
Last draft, the Detroit Pistons were able to snag Isaiah Livers with the 42nd pick, who looks like he will have a long, impactful career in the NBA. This year, they will look to do the same and add more versatile shooters to the roster.