#9: The Detroit Pistons draft Donovan Clingan
There’s no telling if Clingan will even be there when the Pistons pick, as everyone ahead of them has been attached to the rim-protecting center at some point, including Atlanta with the #1 pick.
Langdon has shown a preference for defensive-minded players in the draft, so Clingan makes sense as his first pick to be the anchor of the Pistons’ defense for years to come.
This pick would be a sign that he is not completely sold on Jalen Duren or sees him as better served in a platoon with a rim protector.
Langdon doesn’t want to take shortcuts, so if they make this pick, I expect him to take the best player, not the best fit. If he thinks that player is Clingan, he’ll be the guy.
Given that Clingan is reportedly coveted by other teams, him falling to Detroit could open up other options.