Recent history of the 5th pick should give Pistons fans hope

De'Aaron Fox/ 2017 /Sacramento Kings

De'Aaron Fox is another example of the star potential of the fifth pick highlighted by patience with young players. After a rather slow start for the Kentucky standout, Fox has had now five seasons in a row averaging over 20 points per game.

Being a score-first point guard, Fox is most known for his quickness and ability to attack the rim at a fast, but smooth, pace. He has improved in shooting over the last few years, although it is not his strongsuit, and is one of the premier point guards in the league, especially in a star-filled Western Conference.

He is one of the most clutch players in the league with the ability to come up big in crunch time, which helped him secure the leagues first Clutch Player of the Year award. Fox had his "coming out" season in 2023 when he made both an All-Star appearance along with an All-NBA Third team nod as he led the Sacramento Kings to their first playoff appearance in 16 years, ultimately losing to the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs.

Like Trae Young, De'Aaron Fox was one of the better fifth overall picks in the last decade and is one of the many reasons on this list to give Pistons fans optimism.