Early mock drafts point to clear agenda for the Pistons

Much of the talk around the Detroit Pistons in the playoffs has been about their need for a secondary ball handler and creator who can take some of the burden off Cade Cunningham, so it’s not surprising to see many of the early mock drafts go in that direction. 

The Pistons have other needs, such as a wing that can shoot, and a long-term option at power forward, so it will be interesting to see if they try to address one of them directly with the 21st pick with a guy who they think may be able to play soon, or go for a more upside project as they have in the past. 

I looked at 20 different mock drafts from various national sources at different points of the year, and two of the names that popped up the most were Bennett Stirtz from Iowa and Christian Anderson from Texas Tech. Both guys would theoretically fill needs but come with big red flags that could keep the Pistons away. 

Bennett Stirtz has big question marks 

Stirtz was mocked to the Pistons in five of the drafts I looked at, the most of any player, and it does make some sense. He can shoot the 3-ball and was the engine of Iowa’s offense as a creator who did about everything, though he’s not a true point guard. 

Bennett isn’t very athletic or quick, but he’s crafty around the rim and a good movement shooter. I do worry he’ll have a hard time getting open in the NBA without a million screens and am not sure he’ll be able to push people around like he did in college. 

I also question who he is going to defend at the NBA level, though the Pistons have plenty of defenders to cover weak links if necessary. 

It’s highly debatable whether Stirtz will ever be a true creator in the NBA, and I could see his lack of athleticism as an issue, similar to how it has been for Dalton Knecht. 

Christian Anderson will be hit or miss 

Christian Anderson from Texas Tech is a more intriguing prospect, though he too has big red flags. 

He was a very good volume 3-point shooter and averaged 7.4 assists per game, so he checks some boxes for what the Pistons need. But like Stirtz, there are questions about his quickness and athleticism, not to mention the fact that he’s only 6-foot-2. 

Also like Stirtz, Anderson uses his strength and crafty moves to get to his spots, but he’s much better at setting up teammates once he gets there and took most of his attempts from beyond the 3-point line. 

Is he quick enough to beat NBA defenders? Can he guard anyone? Both players have similar questions. 

I don’t think the Pistons will reach for need in the draft and will instead stick with a best player available mentality and hope to hit in the late first round, so the early mock draft consensus will probably be wrong. 

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