Detroit Pistons: Ranking the last 10 number one picks in the NBA Draft

Detroit Pistons: Ranking the last 10 number one picks in the NBA Draft

#8: Paolo Banchero (2022)

The most recent entry into the number one pick club has yet to play a game in the NBA, but I will wager that he will be better than both Anthony Bennett and Markelle Fultz on day one. There wasn’t a consensus number one pick in this draft and Banchero is still very young, but he has all of the tools to be a superstar in the NBA, as he is big, athletic and already very skilled offensively.

In a recent poll of NBA insiders, he was listed as the rookie most likely to be the best player in five years, though Jaden Ivey of the Detroit Pistons did get some votes. This one has to be played out on the court, but the potential is definitely there for Banchero and he could climb this list with a strong rookie season.

#7: Deandre Ayton (2018)

Ayton is more accomplished than some of the guys ahead of him, and has already been to the NBA Finals, but what is his ceiling? Some Pistons’ fans were hoping Detroit would make a move for the restricted free agent Ayton this Summer but he ended up sticking with the Suns, which may have worked out even better for the Pistons, who ended up with Jalen Duren instead.

Ayton is a solid two-way player and has shown he can anchor a top team, but he’s like the 5th or 6th-best player from his own draft class. He’s a solid 18/10 guy for sure, and if he expands his range and reaches another level, he could still climb this list.