Detroit Pistons: How will Jaden Ivey’s strong finish affect the NBA Draft?

Jaden Ivey was one of the only positives from another miserable season for the Detroit Pistons.

He’s not going to win Rookie of the Year (he wasn’t a finalist) but he’s a lock for one of the All-Rookie teams, though we’ll have to wait and see if the Pistons’ tank job affects his final ranking.

Ivey exceeded expectations in some ways, as he wasn’t expected to be the lead guard and focal point of the offense, but had to take on that burden after Cade Cunningham went down.

Ivey struggled with shot selection, turnovers and defense at times, but he clearly improved as the season went on and really finished on a high note, averaging 19.2 points, 6.9 assists and 3.8 rebounds over his last 20 games while shooting over 35 percent from 3-point range on increased attempts and cementing himself as one of the untouchables on the roster.

His improved shooting has raised his ceiling as a guard, and if Jaden Ivey can continue to make strides defensively, he has the potential to be an All-Star in the NBA.

So how will that affect how the Detroit Pistons approach the 2023 NBA Draft?

Detroit Pistons: Jaden Ivey and the 2023 NBA Draft

It is no secret that the Detroit Pistons need wing players who can shoot and defend, and that will likely be the focal point of their offseason, including the NBA Draft, with few exceptions.

Obviously, if the Detroit Pistons get the first pick, Victor Wembanyama is a no-brainer and would set off what could be the dream offseason in Detroit.

If the Pistons drop to 4th or 5th, they will likely just take the best wing available, as almost all of the top guys play their biggest position of need, including players like Brandon Miller, Cam Whitmore and the Thompson twins.

But what about if they get the 2nd pick? After just watching their two young guards put up stellar rookie seasons in back-to-back years, it’s hard to see the Pistons taking a third, ball-dominant guard with shaky 3-point shooting in Scoot Henderson.

The Pistons aren’t in a position to draft for need, so if they do get the 2nd pick and think Henderson is much better than the rest of the pack, he will be the pick, but if they have other players ranked as highly, drafting one of the wings is the clearer fit.

Ivey’s strong finish will have to give the Pistons pause, and opens up a ton of possible scenarios for Detroit if they do end up with the second pick in the draft, including trading back.

The 2nd pick is the toughest one to call in the 2023 NBA Draft, especially if it falls into the laps of the Detroit Pistons.