The Detroit Pistons didn’t get the outcome they wanted at the NBA Draft Lottery, as they fell to the 5th pick after having the worst record in the league.
It was the first time that the worst team had fallen that far, a dubious honor indeed, but Detroit should still be able to find a very good player, potentially one to fill their biggest need.
Victor Wembanyama is going to go #1, but beyond that, it’s tough to predict, though most draft experts think Scoot Henderson and Brandon Miller will be the second and third picks in some order.
After that, it’s anyone’s guess, but one thing is certain, one of the best wing prospects in the 2023 NBA Draft will be there when the Detroit Pistons pick.
Detroit Pistons draft: One of 3 prospects will fall
After pick #1, this draft is wide open, and there is no guarantee that Henderson and Miller will be the next two selected.
Like last year, we could see some last-minute shuffling in the top-3, and it’s not completely out of the question (though unlikely) that Miller falls into the Pistons’ lap with the 5th pick.
But if those three are the top-3 in some order, that leaves a group of Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore and Ausar Thompson, not to mention Jarace Walker and Anthony Black, who are also both high on most big boards.
Many think the Rockets will take Amen Thompson, but don’t rule out Cam Whitmore, who has impressive film and is more likely to step in and contribute right away. If the Rockets were to go for Whitmore instead of Thompson, then it would give the Detroit Pistons a shot at Amen, who many believe will ultimately be a top-3 player from this draft as long as his shot comes around.
If the Rockets take Amen Thompson, then Whitmore, Ausar Thompson and Jarace Walker will all be options, in order words, the Detroit Pistons are almost guaranteed to land one of the most athletic players in the draft.
It’s not the pick we wanted, but given the Pistons’ dire need on the wing, the 5th pick is not the end of the world and Detroit has a good shot of getting a good one depending on who falls.