The NBA Draft is only two days away, and there’s plenty to be on the lookout for. Here are three things to watch for that could affect the 2022 NBA Draft and the Detroit Pistons, who will hold the fifth overall pick.
Detroit Pistons: 3 things to look for on 2022 NBA Draft night
#1: A trade to re-shape the lottery order
Rumors have continued to fly near the upper half of the lottery, particularly past the third overall pick. The Pistons are one of the teams considered most likely to make a draft-day trade, but even if they don’t, there’s a chance another one could occur.
With a slew of prospects, coupled with a wide range of opinions on them, draft boards across the league certainly vary based on the franchise, and not just because of the standard factors such as positional need and fit that normally dictate a board.
As of now, Jaden Ivey appears to be one prospect several teams are keen on trading up for.
The 6-foot-4 guard has continued to generate buzz around league circles, and with the Kings apparently remaining steadfast in keeping their pick, the price for trading up for rights to the fourth pick could be steep.
Outside of Ivey, several prospects, such as Bennedict Mathurin, Keegan Murray and Shaedon Sharpe could entice teams to move up. Mathurin and Murray are both prospects with NBA-ready skill traits, coupled with intriguing upside.
Sharpe is this year’s wildcard, and his upside will likely land him somewhere in the lottery.
Outside of the top-three, the deciding order of the lottery is a mystery. A wide range of prospects, skill sets, and projected ceilings for players could lead to a trade in the early stages of the draft, from a team looking to move up, expedite a rebuild, or fit an immediate roster need.