Pistons draft: This top prospect wants to come to Detroit

The Detroit Pistons have long been one of the cellar dwellers of the NBA, but after drafting Cade Cunningham, that is going to change soon and players outside of the organization can see it.

We heard it from some of the top players in the NBA, including Kevin Durant, who said that Cade and the Pistons will soon “be a force to be reckoned with.”

There has been ample speculation that the Pistons will pursue Deandre Ayton this offseason, and if they could land the top free agent, it would go a long way towards re-establishing Detroit as one of the premier destinations in the NBA.

The 2022 NBA Draft prospects are paying attention too, as many see the Detroit Pistons as a place where they could thrive alongside an unselfish and talented player like Cade Cunningham.

One of the top prospects verbalized this directly in a recent Q&A about which team he wants to draft him.

Pistons draft: Jaden Ivey wants to come to Detroit

In a recent interview with “The Spun” by Sports Illustrated, Jaden Ivey was asked if he had a preferred destination, and his answer might have surprised some people:

"“I would love to go anywhere, but Detroit, my mom [Notre Dame head women’s basketball coach Niele Ivey] played for the Detroit Shock in the WNBA. I’ve lived in the area and I know what it’s like. Detroit could be an option.”"

This makes sense for a couple of reasons. The first is that Ivey obviously has some ties to Detroit and is familiar with the city. He also mentioned Indiana as a possible destination for the same reason.

The second is that there is an immediate role for him and an apparent fit next to point guard Cade Cunningham. Ivey and Cunningham would give the Detroit Pistons a versatile and dynamic young backcourt whose strengths complement each other.

Cade is a cerebral player who tries to slow down the game and pick apart defenses while Ivey is an athletic force of nature when he gets moving downhill, a guy who can play above the rim and make plays with his physicality.

The two guards could play off each other, make the other better and mask some of their weaknesses.

I’m also certain that Ivey sees the Detroit Pistons as a team on the cusp of being good, with plenty of cap space and young talent to build around.

If Ivey is still available when the Detroit Pistons choose with the 5th pick, I think there is a strong possibility that he gets his wish to come to the Motor City.