Last week we highlighted a number of draft options for the Detroit Pistons from the G-League and international pool of players.
This week, we’re switching our focus to the college ranks, and some guys that could help the Motor City and their strengths and weaknesses.
All of these players will be showcasing their skills in the NCAA Tournament. For full bracket and schedule, click here.
Draft Prospects for the Detroit Pistons in the NCAA Tournament
Cody Williams, 6’8 SF, Colorado
Strengths
- Length/Size
- Shooting Efficiency
- Switchability
- Both On-Ball and Off-Ball Abilities
Weaknesses
- Extremely Average Rebound, Assist, and Steal Stats
- Strength
- Turnover to Assist Ratio
Summary of Cody Williams
Cody Williams, younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams, has a legitimate chance at being Detroit’s top selection. It would be a surprise for Williams to jump up to one overall, but if the Pistons fall to three or four, Cody could be the pick. The 6-foot-8 small forward is averaging 13.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while shooting 59 percent from two, and 45 percent from three.
Cody is an elite wing prospect who can light it up from deep, albeit on low volume. He reads the floor extremely well, and would be a legit two way wing for Detroit. Cody is a great defender on the perimeter, and, thanks to his length, can switch defensively from positions one through four. He would have to add strength and develop as a rebounder, and passer, but if his brother has taught us anything, development should be no problem for Williams.
Tristan da Silva, 6’9 SF/PF, Colorado
Strengths
- Length/Size
- Three Point Shooting
- Free Throw Shooting
Weaknesses
- Physicality
- Age
- Can Sometimes Play One Dimensional
Summary of Tristan da Silva
Tristan da Silva’s size and ability to shoot the three ball will be enough for NBA teams to take a chance on the senior out of Colorado. This year, he’s averaging 16.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and is connecting from deep at 38 percent. His free throw shooting is up over 80 percent indicating not only that his three point shooting is likely not a fluke, but could improve even further.
It’s because of his age, already 22 years old, and his lack of a true tool outside of shooting, that da Silva could be kept outside of the first round. This would obviously benefit the Pistons as they would then have a shot at the modern archetype big. If he were to increase his offensive bag, his potential could be similar to Kyle Kuzma.
DaRon Holmes, 6’10 C, Dayton
Strengths
- Interior Pick and Roll Presence
- Ability to Space the Floor
- Switchability
- Defensive Timing
Weaknesses
- Wingspan
- Age
- Offensive Rebounding
Summary of DaRon Holmes
DaRon Holmes started his career as a dominant interior presence for the Dayton Flyers, but has evolved over his last two seasons. Down low, Holmes was, and still is, a legit pick and roll, post-up threat. He was in the 77th percentile in post-ups, and 91st in half-court efficiency. Holmes and his team began to run a five out offensive system, however, and DaRon had to adjust. It’s his development away from the basket that should now have Detroit interested. The 6-foot-10 big man is now playing beyond the arc to the tune of 39 percet, which paired with his size and interior skills, would be a plus for Detroit at the four.
Defensively, even with his slight lack of size if he were to play the five, Holmes protects the rim well. His defensive timing and athletic ability would give Detroit a legit weapon. Holmes is projected to go well into the second round, similar to Bridges and Hawkins on this list. Selecting one of them in the second round would be a home run.
Coleman Hawkins, 6’10 PF, Illinois
Strengths
- Good Energy/Motor/Mobility for his Size
- Self-Creation
- Defense
- Average to Above Average Three Point Shooting
Weaknesses
- Age
- Rebounding
- Consistency Issues
Summary of Coleman Hawkins
Coleman Hawkins has been a thorn in all Big Ten team side’s not named Illinois for years now. He may actually be one of the most underrated players in this upcoming draft. Just this past weekend, Coleman led the Illini to a Big Ten Championship. The 6-foot-10 good moving forward is slated to be at the back end of the second round or into undrafted territory, but his stretch big abilities should have him higher than that. Hawkins can score anywhere on the court, but could stand to better his two point percentage. He’s hitting on just 46 percent from two, but almost 40 percent from three and 81 percent from the line.
On the defensive end, Hawkins is averaging almost three stocks (steals + blocks) per game. His understanding of the game, paired with his length and quick hands makes him extremely switchable. His energy and intensity should carry over to the next level and adhere him to Pistons fans from day one.
Jalen Bridges, 6’9 SF/PF, Baylor
Strengths
- Length/Size
- Three Point Shooting on Decent Volume
- High Off-Ball IQ
Weaknesses
- Age
- On-Ball Handling/Creating
Summary of Jalen Bridges
Jalen Bridges has recently seen his draft stock rise as his three point shooting has begun to come around. It took some time for the senior transfer to acclimate to Baylor, but since doing so, Bridges is averaging his three ball at 42 percent on five attempts per game. Jalen is the quintessential off-ball 3 and D prospect that will always have a place in the NBA. His instincts without the ball in terms of cutting and movement are great. Defensively, Bridges has quick hands, averaging 1.1 steals per game, and can switch guarding 2-4.
Bridges does struggle with smaller guards and bigger centers, limiting him from being a full 1-5 defender. When he does have the ball in his hands, Jalen needs to increase his aggressiveness and work on his ball handling if he is to ever develop more than a perimeter threat. Detroit may be able to target Bridges with their 55th over selection, if he is still available.