High-flying Pistons’ prospect makes case for Summer League
The Detroit Pistons already have some of the best young talent in the NBA, but there is plenty more on the way.
They have a top-5 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft to go along with the 31st pick, which could be a valuable asset in a trade or a way to find a gem who drops into the early second round.
But they also have a pick lingering from last season when they selected Gabriel Procida in the second round of the draft.
Procida plays for Alba Berlin of the Basketball Bundesliga, which is the top team in the top league in Germany. His team is currently 29-2 and has some of the best players in the league, so the 20-year-old Procida has to earn his minutes.
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He’s been a steady bench scorer and spot starter all season and has had some big games where he comes in and provides instant offense with his athleticism.
Procida was named a Rising Star of the Euroleague and is at least making a case to get a look this summer.
Detroit Pistons: Will Gabriele Procida be on the Summer League roster?
The Detroit Pistons will be in Las Vegas for Summer League from July 7-17 and could have a crowded roster.
Rookies like Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren could get some run in the Summer League and we may even see Cade Cunningham make an appearance if he wants to get some reps, even though that is very unlikely.
The question is whether Procida will be there. He undoubtedly still needs more maturation before he is ready to join an NBA rotation, but he would provide some athleticism on the wing and efficient scoring, as he averaged over 60 percent on two-point shots and occasionally does things like this:
GABRIELE, ALTER! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/hWBQZzzhRe
— ALBA BERLIN (@albaberlin) April 23, 2023
But he is still a work in progress from 3-point range, which is what will hold him back as an NBA prospect, as it’s hard to be a two-guard who shoots less than 30 percent from long range.
Hopefully, we will get to see him against NBA competition in the Summer League, as he was a high enough pick that the team should expect him to be on the roster, or at least a two-way contract at some point soon.
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