Pistons draft: Why Detroit should consider taking a big man

In the NBA, every team needs a legitimate big-man, not a small forward posing as one and that includes the Detroit Pistons. When I say big-man I mean a center, or at least a tall power forward that can walk the thin line between both positions.

Detroit Pistons: A skilled big man Is like found gold

There are really two types of big men in the NBA, the skill guys and the paint beasts.

A skilled big-man is a center or power forward with guard-like abilities. They have either an above average passing or shooting attribute. These bigs can create their own shot, and beat defenders off the dribble.

A skilled big man could completely transform your franchise. Just look at players like Hakeem Olajuwon, Nikola Jokic and Anthony Davis to name a few. Most of the elite big men we see in today’s game fall into this category.

Paint Beasts: Using brute force to dominate

In addition to a skilled big, there are powerful Earth shattering paint beasts that crash the glass and own the post.

These players may not be the best fit for every offense, but they undoubtedly have a lot of value. These are the more traditional centers who roam the painted part of the floor and gobble up missed shots while protecting the rim on the other end.

These types of players can be a liability on the offensive end, but add enough on defense, screen setting and rebounding to make up for it. Even though they are being somewhat phased out oft he NBA, every team still needs them. Players that fit this description are Robert Williams III, Rudy Gobert and Clint Capela.

Of course, if you can find a big man who is both, you have yourself an MVP candidate like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Joel Embiid.

Right now, the Detroit Pistons have neither.

Why the Detroit Pistons should consider a big man in the 2022 NBA Draft

As good of a player as Isaiah Stewart could be in the future, he doesn’t fall into either category of “skilled” or “paint beast.” He’s not a great scorer, passer or shooter and doesn’t dominate the glass or paint enough on defense to be considered a Gobert type either.

Although, it may seem like I’m picking on Stewart. That’s far from the truth. I respect his tenacity and his measurables. What he lacks in height he makes up for in his strong frame and 7-foot-4 wing-span. He reminds some fans of “Big Ben” Wallace, an undersized center with a lot of muscle and the ability to guard just about anyone.

What does he remind me of? A Montrezl Harrell, or a Luc Mbah a Moute. A good defender, long and strong. A solid rebounder, especially for his size. He’s a spark plug, but not a long term solution at center.

Isaiah Stewart’s stats

• 8.1 PPG, 51.1 FG% and 8.7 RPG

These numbers aren’t fantastic, but they aren’t pedestrian either. This is exactly why I am in no way preaching to trade him. He’s a good defender with lots of upside. Nevertheless, size matters, especially in the playoffs when all of your weaknesses are targeted. This is why the Detroit Pistons need to add a legit center to play alongside or Stewart, to back him up, or to start in his place.

This would give the Detroit Pistons a lot of options and versatility in different scenarios, where they could go big, go small or add rim protection in crunch time when it is most needed. They might be able to find their guy in the 2022 NBA Draft, especially if they end up with a second pick in the first round.

2022 NBA Draft: Big man upgrades for the Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons currently have the 5th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, but could add another if they trade Jerami Grant. This would be a great spot to grab a big man and there are three who fit into the category of “skilled” or “paint beast.”

Mark Williams: The 7-foot center from Duke toes the line between skilled and paint beast. He does most of his damage in the post and is a good rim protector, but he is also skilled around the rim and shot 72 percent from the free-throw line, so profiles as a guy who will eventually be able to shoot a little.

Jalen Duren: The center out of Memphis is definitely of the paint beast variety. He has little offensive skill, but is a big, strong center who can block shots, grab lobs and run the floor.

Walker Kessler: Kessler is another player who has some skill and could end up being a decent shooter. But right now, he projects as a dominant paint presence,  a 7-foot-1 rim protector who blocked an incredible 4.6 shots per game for Auburn, which will be his primary duty in the NBA.

When the Detroit Pistons end up with a more modern, skilled big, a paint beast or someone in between, they need another big man to go with Beef Stew and could find him in the 2022 NBA Draft.