The Detroit Pistons checked the first item off their summer to-do list by hiring Trajan Langdon as the new president of basketball operations.
Now focus will turn to the NBA Draft, which will be Langdon’s first big decision as the new franchise leader.
We’ve looked at some of his past drafts as GM of the New Orleans Pelicans, and Langdon does seem to have a type, but how will that translate to this draft?
Most of his recent picks have been later in the first round, so will Langdon stick with his previous draft strategy or just take the best player available? He has a lot of work to do this summer and it all starts with this pick, whether he ends up keeping it or not.
Here is a Pistons mock draft with Langdon at the helm, which ends in a different look for Detroit.
#1: Atlanta Hawks select Alex Sarr
Sarr is about as close to a consensus as you are going to find in this draft, though it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see Atlanta go with someone else or even to trade their pick.
If they keep it, Sarr makes sense as a versatile big who is a long-term fit with whichever guard they end up keeping this summer.
Sarr would allow the Hawks to pivot towards the future, possibly trade Clint Capela and start a soft rebuild around Trae Young (likely) and a young big who fits the mold of a modern center with his ability to protect the rim and eventually spread the floor.
#2: Washington Wizards select Zaccharie Risacher
It says a lot about this draft that Risacher, who is often mocked in the top three, is a guy most fans have never seen play in live action.
He tore it up in the EuroCup this year, knocking down over half of his 3-point shots, a trait that will suit him well at 6-foot-9.
He went on a slump after but still finished the season with a respectable average from 3-point range to go along with his defensive upside and playmaking ability.
Wings who can get their own shots, defend and knock down 3-pointers will always be valuable in the NBA, so the Wizards grab one to add to their young core.
#3: Houston Rockets select Reed Sheppard
The Rockets don’t really need any more young talent, so they can just draft more for need here and still get a player with huge upside.
Sheppard’s on-the-ball defense and 3-point shooting should play in just about any lineup in the NBA and Houston is a team that could use both.
They have the long wings and skilled bigs, but Sheppard would give them a new dynamic on the perimeter with his shooting.
He would be a reach here in most drafts, but his 3-point ability and intangibles make him a safer choice in this one, especially for a team like the Rockets, who want to win now.
Don’t be surprised if they trade this pick for a proven player.
#4: San Antonio Spurs select Rob Dillingham
You have to wonder how Nikola Topic’s recent injury will affect how teams view him, as I initially had him going in this 4th spot.
Instead, the Spurs go for dynamic combo guard Rob Dillingham, who should immediately be effective in the pick-and-roll with Victor Wembanyama.
A guard who can get into the lane and draw defenders will be tough to cover when you have to worry about the lob to Wembanyama, a threat the Spurs didn’t really have this season.
His quickness paired with Wembanyama’s size should be a deadly combination and Wemby covers any size issues Dillingham may have on the other end, as teams are afraid to go in the lane.
#5: Detroit Pistons select Donovan Clingan
Trajan Langdon has drafted players with strong defensive backgrounds in the past with guys like Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jose Alvarado (undrafted free agent), so it makes sense for him to find the Pistons a defensive anchor.
If you look at the playoffs this season, all of the top teams have a strong rim protector as well as a lockdown defender or two on the perimeter.
Detroit already has one of their perimeter defenders in Ausar Thompson and now grab their rim protector in Clingan, who may end up being the best defensive player in this draft with his ability to block shots, smother the paint and fall into drop coverage.
If you look at the first team All-Defense this season, four of the top five guys were seven-foot plus rim protectors with versatility, which Clingan can definitely be.
He has also shown potential to shoot from distance, giving the Pistons a center who is a better fit with Cade Cunningham. Some fans would scream “ANOTHER CENTER?!?” and it’s definitely possible Detroit will go with a wing like Matas Buzelis or one of the shooters instead.
But they have a chance to add an ingredient that is necessary to win in the modern game, which is a center who can defend. Langdon may not be as enamored with Jalen Duren as others in the current front office and could use him as a trade chip to get their wing.
#6: Charlotte Hornets select Matas Buzelis
The Hornets could go in a lot of directions here and a lot of it will revolve around Miles Bridges and their chances of bringing him back.
If they think Bridges is gone (or they want him to be), Buzelis makes sense as a third wheel with LaMelo and Brandon Miller and would give them a potential two-way wing who can play either forward spot, defend and eventually shoot from distance.
It would allow them to get the stink of the Bridges’ drama off them (hopefully not to pass it on to Detroit) and get a player in the Gordon Hayward mold of a big, skilled forward.
#7: Portland Trail Blazers select Ron Holland
You have to think the Blazers will be active this summer, as they were horrible this season and facing the luxury tax for a team that won 21 games. Not ideal. They are one of the teams the Pistons might be in a position to take advantage of this summer.
We’ll likely see Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon hit the trade market and for Portland to lean into a youth movement around Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Anfernee Simons and this pick.
Holland is raw offensively but his defense on the wing should play right away and be a nice complement to their other young players.
If he develops a shot, he could end up being a Jaylen Brown light, which would be a coup for Portland.
#8: San Antonio Spurs select Tidjane Salaun
Salaun has been rocketing up draft boards due to his combination of size, defense on the perimeter and ability to knock down 3-point shots.
If the latter develops, he has star potential, as he is a big wing player who is active defensively and has plus athleticism.
Putting a big wing who has shooting upside around Wemby and Dillingham makes sense, and Salaun also gives them a chance at a higher upside guy. Even though Wemby is going to be an MVP candidate soon, there is no need to rush for the Spurs, who add two complementary pieces.
#9: Memphis Grizzlies select Stephon Castle
I love this pick for Memphis, even though Castle said he’s not going to work out for teams that already have a point guard, which is absurd. Can I ask when teenagers who have not played a single second of professional basketball got to start making demands about where they are drafted?
Despite what Castle might think (how many teams don’t have a point guard by the way?), Memphis would be a perfect spot for him, as he can play with both/either of Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, providing defense on the perimeter and a secondary playmaker.
#10: Utah Jazz select Dalton Knecht
Though a two-way wing like Cody Williams might make sense here, Utah won’t pass up the chance to take a wh-, I mean, errr, ummm, shooter like Knecht.
He would give them a floor spreader next to their penetrating guards and a guy who is pretty much a plug-and-play shooter in any lineup.
He’s not going to help Utah’s defense much, but he’d potentially open up the possibility of moving Collin Sexton or Jordan Clarkson this summer.
#11: Chicago Bulls select Nikola Topic
The Bulls would be ecstatic if Topic fell to them, as they need a point guard, and he might be the best one in the draft.
His injury issues force him out of the top-10 here, which potentially gives the Bulls one of the steals of the draft. Chicago wants to keep trying to make the play-in tournament every season and will need a point guard whether Lonzo Ball comes back this season or not.
Topic would give them a big playmaker who is a nice long-term fit with Coby White.
#12: OKC Thunder select Cody Williams
The rich just keep getting richer, as the Thunder are the beneficiary of some of the teams in front of them reaching for fit.
The Thunder get a second Williams brother, this one even taller than the one they have, and both dynamic offensive options who are sneaky good around the rim and can defend multiple positions.
The Thunder already have plenty of young talent, so can be patient and take a raw player with upside like Williams, who will fit right into what they are building.
#13: Sacramento Kings select Ja’Kobe Walter
It appears as though Malik Monk (a free-agent possibility for the Pistons) will be taking his services elsewhere this summer, so the Kings get his replacement in Ja’Kobe Walter.
Walter looks the part of an NBA scorer and should be able to provide buckets off the bench right away along with some competition for Kevin Huerter.
The Kings could go for a big man here, but it would be more of a reach, so instead they take the safer option and go for the sharpshooting wing.
#14: Portland Trail Blazers select Johnny Furphy
This would be a big reach here, but a risk Portland can afford to take if they are going into full rebuild mode.
Furphy has the makeup of a modern wing, with great size at 6-foot-8 and upside as a 3-point shooter.
Portland loads up on the wing in preparation for losing a couple of theirs this summer, adding a defender in Holland and more of a scoring threat in Furphy.
#15: Miami Heat select Zach Edey
The Heat are a team that could go in a lot of directions this summer depending on their extension negotiations with Jimmy Butler.
It seems unlikely they will blow up their roster completely, so Edey makes sense flanked by first-team All-Defensive player Bam Adebayo.
Adebayo’s versatility and ability to spread the floor would allow Miami to go huge, put a smothering defense in the paint and add a guy who should be able to get them some easy buckets down low.
#16: Philadelphia 76ers select Devin Carter
Even though they currently only have one player on their roster, the 76ers will be going for it around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey and will seek players who can help them win now.
Carter is one of those guys, as he is an immediate plug-and-play 3-and-D guy who gets after it on the perimeter and can knock down 3-point shots, attributes the 76ers will always look for around Embiid.
#17: Los Angeles Lakers select Tristan da Silva
Like Philly, LA won’t be looking for a project player here, as their window to win with LeBron and AD is closing rapidly.
Da Silva is as sure a thing as there is in this draft, as he has size and can shoot the 3-ball, which will fit in seamlessly next to LeBron and Davis.
He has a chance to be this year’s Jaime Jaquez Jr., the older prospect who fell but can contribute right away on a good team.
#18: Orlando Magic select Jared McCain
The Magic would love to add a plug-and-play 3-point shooter, so McCain falling to them would be a coup.
He is a possibility for the Heat, 76ers or Lakers, so the Magic would need some luck for him to fall this far, and if he is still available post lottery, they could trade up to try and get him.
Orlando needs shooting and McCain can shoot it. Makes perfect sense.
#19: Toronto Raptors select Kyshawn George
The Raptors look to have started a rebuild around Scottie Barnes, so Geroge makes sense as another big wing who projects to be a good 3-point shooter.
There is a strong possibility that Gary Trent Jr. will be leaving in free agency (another possible target for the Detroit Pistons) so the Raptors will look to replace his shooting on the wing.
They get a guy with great size at 6-foot-8 who knocked down more than 40 percent of his long-range shots this season.
#20: Cleveland Cavaliers select Isaiah Collier
Collier takes a big slide here, as he was once projected to go in the top five but had an up and down season at USC.
The Cavaliers could be making huge changes this summer, potentially trading away Darius Garland if they are able to retain Donovan Mitchell.
Adding a point guard who is more of a playmaker makes sense, as it would allow Mitchell to play more off the ball and likely get more shots.
He’s a bit of a reach need-wise but has too much potential to fall much further.
#21: New Orleans Pelicans select Ryan Dunn
The Pelicans are already loaded at the wing position but could part ways with Brandon Ingram this summer.
They have shown a preference for long wings who can defend, and Dunn could end up being one of the better defenders in this draft with his combination of athleticism, wingspan and shot blocking ability.
As long as New Orleans has Zion Williamson, they are going to target these types of players, though Dunn will have to improve his 3-point shooting, something the Pelicans have had great success with in the past with a coach I hope Trajan Langdon brings with him to Detroit.
#22: Phoenix Suns select Kyle Filipowski
Filipowski would certainly be an option for the Pelicans, as they will need a center and he fits with Zion, but in this mock, he falls to the Suns, who are reportedly enamored with him.
The Suns need more rim protection and there might be better shot blockers available, but Filipowski’s combination of shooting, passing and connective ability on offense make him a nice fit with a team that already has three scorers.
#23: Milwaukee Bucks select Yves Missi
The Bucks swing for upside here a bit with Missi, who hasn’t played much but has already shown very good athleticism around the rim.
He’s a guy who should develop into a quality shot blocker and rebounder who will dunk everything around the rim and catch lobs.
They need more depth behind their veteran bigs and Missi would give them a project they can develop over the next several seasons.
#24: New York Knicks select Bobi Klintman
Klintman is one of the more polarizing players in the draft, but at 6-foot-10 and with some shooting ability, someone is going to take the risk.
The problem is that Klintman hasn’t put all of his impressive tools together, as he’s been inefficient from the floor and doesn’t block a lot of shots.
But he has flashed signs of lottery talent, and with no real glaring needs, the Knicks can take a swing on upside here.
#25: New York Knicks select Kevin McCullar
McCullar is very much in the mold of the players the Knicks have built their roster around, as he has some toughness on the defensive end and can shoot the 3-ball a little.
He’s a big guard at 6-foot-6 and should be able to defend a couple of positions, which is the only way a rookie is going to step on the floor for Tom Thibodeau.
McCullar is also 23, so should be ready to contribute soon, balancing out their upside pick of Klintman.
#26: Washington Wizards select Kel’el Ware
The Wizards desperately need depth at center, as they currently have Marvin Bagley III (sorry Wiz) slotted in as the starter.
Ware may not fall this far, as he’s already shown potential as a long-range shooter and shot blocker, two things teams are looking for in a modern big.
He might be one of the more undervalued prospects in this draft and I wouldn’t be shocked if someone reached for him way before this.
#27: Minnesota Timberwolves select DaRon Holmes II
A versatile big who can defend, block shots and shoot the 3-ball, Holmes II would fit right in with what Minnesota has built.
Even though they are about to get swept by the Mavericks, the Timberwolves have shown one way to achieve playoff success, which is to get two elite scorers and surround them with big, versatile defenders.
Holmes II would continue that trend and should be able to help defensively right away off the bench.
#28: Denver Nuggets select Tyler Kolek
The Nuggets tend to draft players who can help them now, which is what they do here with Kolek, who could immediately step in as their backup point guard.
He’s an unselfish playmaker who can shoot the 3-ball, so he’d fit right in with Denver, who desperately need to add some bench depth this offseason.
#29: Utah Jazz select Carlton Carrington
The Jazz go for more of an upside pick here with Carrington, who has potential as a dynamic scoring option.
He’s still raw, but if the 3-point shot comes around, he could be a steal here, as he already has a slick mid-range game and a nice offensive bag around the rim.
#30: Boston Celtics select Baylor Scheierman
The Celtics add a high-volume 3-point shooter to supplement their bench and a guy in Scheierman who doesn’t have the highest ceiling but should be able to step in and play right away.
The senior out of Creighton knocked down 38 percent of his 3-point shots and he took over eight per game, which should translate immediately to the NBA.