Pistons news: Today could be a turning point for Detroit

The second it was announced that Cade Cunningham was out for the season, fans of the Detroit Pistons started dreaming about the possibilities in the NBA Draft Lottery.

Cheering for losses is no way to go through a season, especially when racking up just 17 of them still culminates in just a 14 percent chance of landing the number one pick and the chance to draft Victor Wembanyama.

Pistons’ fans have stuck with the team through all of the losing and hoping today is the light at the end of that tunnel.

We’ve heard the word “generational” bandied about far too often in the past, and this isn’t the first time I’ve heard pundits talking about the “most anticipated draft lottery of all time.”

But there is something different about a 7-foot-4 player with guard skills, as that kind of size and ability captivate the imagination, especially when you think about what the Detroit Pistons already have to go around him.

So while the hyperbole may be at an all-time high today, it is not hyperbolic to say that landing the #1 pick could change the course of the Pistons’ franchise.

Detroit Pistons news: Victor Wembanyama equals wins and dollars

Victor Wembanyama is going to be a very good player as long as he stays healthy, pretty much everyone agrees on at least that in this draft. His defensive ceiling alone is unlike anything we’ve seen since Hakeem Olajuwon, so even if he never scores a point, Wembanyama is going to be an impact player from day one.

And he fits so perfectly into the Pistons’ lineup as the starting power forward:

• Cade Cunningham
• Jaden Ivey
• Bojan Bogdanovic
• Victor Wembanyama
• Jalen Duren

I don’t think this team is winning the title next year, but it could definitely compete for a playoff spot, especially if they added a defensive wing and shooter to the rotation.

But it’s not just on the court where Wembanyama will have an impact, as one NBA executive estimated that the Frenchman would bring $500 million in value to whatever team drafts him in the form of increased ticket and merchandise sales.

So we’re talking about a guy who could instantly make the Pistons a playoff contender while changing the economy of downtown Detroit.

Not to mention the fact that Detroit is still looking for a new head coach and landing this pick would make them the most attractive job on the market.

The hype machine is working full time for a reason, so get out your good luck charms and pray to the lottery gods that the Detroit Pistons are the final name called in tonight’s NBA Draft Lottery.