Detroit Pistons: 3 things to look for on 2022 NBA Draft night

Detroit Pistons: 3 things to look for on 2022 NBA Draft night

#2: Names to fall, rise in draft order

If one thing is for certain about this year’s lottery, it’s that many mock drafts will be incorrect by the night’s end.

For the last few weeks, players’ stocks have continued to fluctuate.

With so many uncertainties outside the first three picks, there’s a chance that certain names could fall further down the board than to be expected, and others could rise.

With teams like the Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Sacramento Kings all looking to make a push for the playoffs next season, we could see some franchises prioritize readiness over long-term upside in the early phases of the draft.

For both the Blazers and Pelicans, finding ideal pieces to complement their superstars is the sole mission for this summer.

For the Kings, finding an additional piece to support their duo of Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, who can immediately step in and produce for next season will be top priority.

This focus could lead to selecting a player who’s more versed in contributing right away in a specific, designated role, rather than gambling on a player who may be more of a developmental project.

With a handful of teams looking to exit extensive rebuilds, or conduct short-term roster reconstructions set to end in the near future, certain prospects could climb on the night of the draft based on their ability to immediately contribute.