Best and worst Pistons draft picks in the last 10 years show the problem

Dec 23, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) knocks the ball away from Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) as he drives to the basket against Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23): Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

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Best pick #1: Bruce Brown, 2018

The Pistons have had some nice picks in the 2nd round, but in typical fashion, traded most of them away before they developed into quality players. Bruce Brown was no exception, as he was taken in the 2nd, showed some promise for Detroit, and then was traded away for nothing, only to become a key role player on a title team.

This has been a theme for the Pistons, who seem to give the true busts all the time in the world to develop but trade away their value picks before they even get a chance.

Worst pick #2: Luke Kennard, 2017

Kennard is definitely not the worst player the Pistons have drafted in the last decade, as he is still in the NBA and has led the league in shooting percentage more than once.

It’s more that the Detroit went for an obvious role player over a guy in Donovan Mitchell who had star potential and has reached it. Mitchell thought the Pistons were taking him after a strong workout and interview (same with Booker btw) but Detroit pivoted at the last minute and took Kennard, showing why you should never draft purely for need.

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