Detroit Pistons draft: The big man to target in the 2nd round

Most of the talk about the Detroit Pistons’ offseason has centered around the 5th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, but Detroit also has the 46th pick overall.

The Pistons were able to find a rotation player in Isiah Livers in the second round last draft and hope to do the same this year.

As a team that won just 23 games this season, the Detroit Pistons have plenty of needs, including an upgrade at shooting guard and more size and athleticism in the front court.

The Pistons will reportedly pursue Deandre Ayton, but if they strike out, could look to bolster their big-man rotation in the 2022 NBA Draft, especially if the right guy falls to them in the second round.

The Detroit Pistons need size and athleticism

Adding Marvin Bagley III at the trade deadline gave the Pistons some much-needed size and athleticism in the front court.

But he’s a restricted free agent, so there is a chance he may not return. MBIII is a gifted offensive player but doesn’t provide much rim protection and there is a possibility that he’ll be with another team next season, though it seems more likely that he will return after playing well in his short time in Detroit.

With Luka Garza unlikely to return, and Kelly Olynyk’s future unclear, Detroit still needs depth even if they retain Bagley III, and could use an athletic rim runner who can block shots.

The Pistons are going to be looking for a star to pair with Cade Cunningham in the first round, but could use their second-round pick on a “glue guy” who does the little things and doesn’t need the ball in his hands to impact the game.

Jaylin Williams from Arkansas is one such player, and a guy who is projected to go in the Pistons’ range in the second round. I’ve seen him mocked as high as the beginning of the second, but if he does fall to Detroit, he’s the type of guy they should consider.