Final 2023 NBA Mock Draft: Pistons, Hornets swing for fences on upside
2023 NBA Mock Draft: Detroit Pistons swing for the fences on upside
64. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 5. player. Guard/wing. Overtime Elite. Amen Thompson
I know there are a lot of Pistons’ fans out there who would be jumping with joy if this actually happened, but I have little faith that it actually will. If both Thompson twins and Jarace Walker are there when the Pistons choose it is the best-case scenario, as they don’t really need another playmaker like Amen, so could potentially trade back with a team like the Pacers and still get one of those three players.
Recent reports claim the Pistons are souring a bit on Whitmore, and I’ve thought all along that Detroit would end up with Jarace Walker no matter what, as he just seems like Troy Weaver guy, has a very high floor and is a natural fit at power forward.
But if this is really going to be the last time the Pistons tank, then to me, you forget about fit and just go for the player with the highest upside, and that is Amen Thompson, who is arguably the best athlete in this class.
His fit isn’t as clear as Walker’s or even Ausar Thompson’s but Amen is an electric athlete, great passer and has huge potential on defense, an area that he takes seriously. Even if he can’t shoot, teams can never have too many playmakers and he does things that can’t be taught.
Just look at these highlights:
I have heard some rumblings that some in the Pistons’ front office are actually higher on Ausar Thompson, in which case, I expect Detroit will trade back with someone and just take the brother later.
I know the fit isn’t as clean as that with Jarace Walker, but this seems like one of those that the Pistons may regret if they decide to draft for fit over ceiling. There are some reasons to be leery of the Thompsons, as they can’t shoot and have mostly played against sub-par competition, but you have to take risks to get the big rewards.
If I had to bet right now, I would not bet on this happening (Houston may still take Amen) but I would bet on the Pistons ending with one of the Thompson twins or Jarace Walker.