Ranking the top 5 young cores in the NBA after the Draft
Detroit Pistons: Ranking the top 5 young cores in the NBA after the Draft
#3 Detroit Pistons
- Cade Cunningham
- Jaden Ivey
- Jalen Duren
- Ausar Thompson
- Isaiah Stewart
- James Wiseman
- Isaiah Livers
- Marcus Sasser
- Killian Hayes
Everyone knows the deal here, but any list of strong young cores would be remiss if it didn’t include the Detroit Pistons. Cade Cunningham may not be Victor Wembanyama but he is the former #1 overall pick around which this squad is built, and plenty capable of leading it to the league’s upper echelon. No one can win a championship on his own, however, and it’s the depth that Troy Weaver has assembled that will begin manifesting in wins this upcoming season.
light. Related Story. Pistons' depth chart after the 2023 NBA Draft
New Head Coach Monty Williams has a lot to work with as he begins to tinker and implement his schemes. Jaden Ivey is one of the fastest players in the league with the ball in his hands and is set to have a monster year in Williams’ offense. Newly acquired rookie Ausar Thompson is going to be able to showcase his talent right away, particularly on the defensive end. Jalen Duren, who despite being the youngest player in the league last season, was able to man the middle from the beginning of his career and is also set to take a big step forward this year as the primary recipient of the lob pass in this offense. Beef Stew, Killian Hayes, and rookie Marcus Sasser will have their parts to play as well.
What we have here is a very athletic squad that’s on the cusp of grabbing headlines across the league. Shooting, of course, will be key to how far the Pistons go as its hard to identify any truly elite scorers just yet. Cunningham does have that potential and should begin showing it come November. November should also be when the revenge tour starts taking shape. Sooner than later the Pistons are going to restore Detroit basketball and wreak havoc throughout the NBA.