Detroit Pistons draft: A big wing prospect for the 2nd round

The Detroit Pistons will head into the NBA Draft Lottery in just under two weeks with big dreams.

The focus is on the top pick and the hope of landing Victor Wembanyama, but if that doesn’t happen, we could see a wild draft with a lot of trades.

The Pistons also have the 31st pick, which could prove to be an asset in a trade or a way for the Pistons to land an NBA-ready talent in a draft that has a lot of similarly-ranked players in the back of the first round.

There are several older players whose perceived ceiling may not be as high, but may be ready to contribute off an NBA bench or at least compete for a two-way contract.

One player who falls into that category is Jalen Wilson from Kansas, a senior who could get a look in the second round from the Detroit Pistons.

Detroit Pistons draft: Jalen Wilson

Jalen Wilson just completed his senior season for the Kansas Jayhawks and averaged 20 points and 8.3 rebounds, leading the team in both categories.

Wilson is a big 6-foot-8 wing, who will probably play some power forward in the NBA if he makes it, as he doesn’t have great athleticism or hops.

He only hit 33 percent of his 3-point shots in college, but he has a fluid shooting motion and great size that should allow him to shoot over smaller players. As you can see from these highlights, Wilson is not an above-the-rim player, but you could see him becoming a very good spot up shooter in the NBA:

He can get buckets from two levels, but will need to improve his 3-point accuracy to be effective in the NBA.

He does have a little Saddiq Bey vibe to him, but if he can fill a bench role as a 3-and-D type player (which Bey has done better with Atlanta) then he’d be a worthwhile pick in the second round.

As a 22-year-old, Wilson has a little more experience, which wouldn’t be bad for a team that is still very young. The Detroit Pistons could end up two wing players in the 2023 NBA Draft and Wilson could potentially compete for a bench spot with guys like Isaiah Livers or be a two-way contract who works his way into the rotation eventually.