The Detroit Pistons two picks in the NBA Draft are not close to where Ohio State forward E.J. Liddell will most likely be taken. So why did they request an interview with him at the draft combine?
The Pistons have a high first-rounder (No. 5), and a mid-second round pick (No. 46) in the upcoming NBA Draft. E.J. Liddell, a 6-foot-7, 243-pound forward out of Ohio State, is projected to go late in the first round.
So why did the Pistons request an interview with Liddell at the Draft Combine? He is not rated high enough be taken by their first round pick, and should be long gone when their second rounder come along.
Is general manager Troy Weaver looking to add another first rounder? Maybe one later on, when they might consider a player like Liddell?
E.J. Liddell, from Ohio State, interviewed with Pistons, Warriors, Bucks, Raptors, and Mavericks. Measured at 6-5.5 w/ a 6-11.75 wingspan; he the posted top standing vertical leap. He played for Bradley Beal's AAU team — said he learned to use his size and to be tough from Beal.
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) May 19, 2022
Due diligence or are Detroit Pistons planning a move?
Liddell had declared for the the draft last year, but then withdrew and played his junior season with the Buckeyes. He had a great year, averaging 19.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.6 blocks and shot 37.4% on three-pointers, as he made first team All-Big Ten and the all-defensive team.
His height (6-foot-7 in shoes) and stocky build (12.2% body fat, fourth-highest at combine) are probably the two biggest factors why Liddell is not seen as a lottery pick.
But he has a huge wingspan, can shoot a bit and has a motor that does not stop. Remind Pistons fans of anyone? (Hint, it rhymes with Reef Stewed). He also had the top standing vertical jump (by 2 inches!) at the combine, so he has plenty of athleticism.
Having a lot of similarities to Isaiah Stewart is a positive to the Pistons, as he is developing to be one of their core players. Detroit drafted Stewart at the No. 16 slot, a little higher than most project Liddell, but Stewart was also expected to be picked in the 20s leading up to the draft.
If the Pistons had a first-round pick in the 15-25 range, talking to Liddell would be a no-brainer. But he won’t be there at No. 46, when Detroit is suppose to draft next, after No. 5, right now.
You can simply brush aside meeting with Liddell at the combine as Weaver doing his due diligence, you never know what could happen in the crazy days and hours before the draft. But Liddell only talked to five teams at the combine, and the other four select in the range Liddell is expected to go.
Is ‘Trader Troy” back in business?
In the 2020 draft, the Pistons picked up two first-round picks (No. 16 and No. 19) during the course of the draft. Is Weaver plotting to do more than take the fifth pick in the first round? It would not be surprising.
Remember, Weaver came to Detroit from Oklahoma City. The Thunder general manager, Sam Presti, collects draft picks like Cade Cunningham gets bad ref calls.
There are plenty of rumors that a number of NBA teams are looking to get out of the first round, as this is not seen as a deep draft. Since players taken in the first round get guaranteed money, cap-strapped teams not thrilled with their choices, might look to bail.
Here are a couple of ways the Pistons might get a late first round pick:
- If one of the ‘Big 3’ of Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren or Jabari Smith Jr. drop to No. 5, no reason to keep Jerami Grant. If Portland balks at giving up No. 7, find Grant a good home and get at least a mid-first rounder.
- The Pistons have a lot of salary cap space, maybe take a toxic contract in return for a first-rounder? Or help facilitate a three-team deal and get a draft pick that way.
- Package the No. 46 pick with a valuable vet like Kelly Olynyk to move into the back of the first round.
If there is a way to get another first-rounder, without giving up a valuable asset, you know Weaver will attempt it.
Maybe too much could be made about Liddell interviewing with the Pistons at the combine, but it is odd they would even bother with a prospect who, with what they have now, Detroit should have no reason to speak to.