2022 NBA mock draft: Detroit Pistons make a trade
2022 NBA Mock Draft: Detroit Pistons #5
Power Forward. Iowa/ Detroit Pistons. player. 64. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Keegan Murray. 5
I know a lot of fans of the Detroit Pistons wouldn’t be happy with this pick, as they think Shaedon Sharpe, a guy who hasn’t played above the high school level, has more upside than Murray, who is already 21-years-old.
But Troy Weaver can’t afford to miss on this pick, and Sharpe might be a little too risky in the top-5, especially if the Detroit Pistons are going to make a trade to get another pick in the top-10.
I also think the Pacers would love Murray and would potentially try to trade up to get him, in which case the Detroit Pistons might move back and take Sharpe 6th.
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It’s a tough call, as Sharpe’s talent is intriguing, but he also has the biggest bust potential, while Murray could be a starter and contributor from day one and would also give the Pistons their replacement for Jerami Grant.
Murray’s “upside” is all people seem to talk about while ignoring that he was a late bloomer who was an efficient three-level scorer who plays defense and has a non-stop motor. He’ll also have a big chip on his shoulder and be ready to prove all this upside talk is nonsense.
I think Murray has the best chance to be next season’s Scottie Barnes, the guy who drops out of the top-3 but wins Rookie of the Year anyway.
It’s also possible that the Detroit Pistons can take Murray here and still get an elite shooting guard with the pick they get from trading Grant.