The dream starting five for the Detroit Pistons five years from now
The dream starting five for the Detroit Pistons five years from now
Power forward: Mackenzie Mgbako
Age in 2028: 23
If you’ve not heard of Mackenzie Mgbako just wait, he is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft, a McDonald’s All-American who will play at Indiana next season.
As much as I would love to just put Isaiah Stewart here, he profiles more as an important role player on a good team, a super-sub who can play either big-man spot, bring energy and defense on the bench, and (hopefully) knock down a few 3-point shots.
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Mgbako, who is currently projected to go in the middle of the first round in next year’s draft, already has an NBA frame at 6-foot-8, 215lbs with plenty of strength to spare. He’s a powerful finisher at the rim, a good slasher, but also has 3-point range and a nice looking shot.
A 3-and-D forward who can defend the rim, attack closeouts and knock down long-range shots would be the perfect complement to Jalen Duren, so you can plug in any of the guys from the next draft or two if Mgbako doesn’t end up being that guy. The point is that Detroit needs a starting-level power forward if Stewart doesn’t end up being it.