2023 NBA Mock Draft: Worst-case scenario for Detroit Pistons

PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 19: Adam Silver, Commissioner of the NBA poses for a photo with Victor Wembanyama of The NBA G League Ignite prior to the NBA match between Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons at The Accor Arena on January 19, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 19: Adam Silver, Commissioner of the NBA poses for a photo with Victor Wembanyama of The NBA G League Ignite prior to the NBA match between Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons at The Accor Arena on January 19, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Pistons, Amen Thompson
City Reapers guard Amen Thompson Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Guard. Overtime Elite. 4. Amen Thompson. player. 81

Toronto also moves into the top-4 in this scenario, leapfrogging both Detroit and Charlotte, and takes the first of the Thompson twins off the board.

With Amen Thompson, the Raptors would get a 6-foot-7 player who can serve as a point guard. He also may be the best outright athlete in this draft class.

The Raptors are another organization currently in flux, and we will likely know much more about their future direction once the trade deadline passes. But, if Toronto finds themselves in the four spot of the draft, I think that they are happy with Thompson either way.

light. Related Story. A wild hypothetical that lands OG Anunoby in Detroit

He can play the wing and is a strong defender, who is then able to bring instant offense in transition. If Fred VanVleet finds himself in trade talks, Thompson could serve as Toronto’s primary ball handler, or play alongside FVV if he’s still around.

Amen also helps alleviate the uncertain future of OG Anunoby, who may also be traded leading up to the deadline, or in the summer depending on future direction. Thompson could enter the Raptors starting group in place of Anunoby fairly seemlessly, and gives them a stronger athlete, whose defense can improve to help alleviate a potential OG departure.