The Detroit Pistons are not expected to make a huge splash at the 2025 NBA draft - they have just one draft pick and it is in the second round, number 37 overall.
Still, the Pistons will undoubtedly be searching for ways to improve their roster on the two draft nights, whether that is through their own selection or trading for other picks or players. Some draft room projections might have opened up a path for them to bring in a hometown hero who can complement the roster well.
Detroit Pistons draft: Jase Richardson strengths and weaknesses
The NBA released its list of 24 players who were invited to the draft green room and one notable absence was Jase Richardson, MSU star guard and son of former NBA player Jason Richardson. Richardson’s draft stock has swayed over the course of last season and this offseason, sometimes peaking around late lottery, but has recently dipped due to his measurements at the NBA scouting combine. There, he measured 6’0.5” in height, 6’6” in wingspan, and 178 lbs.
Richardson is coming off a strong freshman season for the Michigan State Spartans. He averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game in about 25 minutes of playing time. His play only improved as the season went along, and he impressed in some NBA-ready skills. Namely, his efficiency from the field stood out - he shot 49% from the field overall and a whopping 41% from three. Richardson’s 86% hit rate from the free throw line also shows strong shooting mechanics.
As a scorer, Richardson looked comfortable both on and off the ball. As an on-ball scorer and creator, he can get downhill to attack the rim or pull back into a mid-range jumper. Off the ball, he can knock down 3s with his smooth lefty stroke but can also attack closeouts when the shot isn’t there.
Richardson also took great care of the ball and turned it over just 0.8 times per game. Part of that was due to his low usage rate but he was still able to create ample opportunities for teammates with his quick decision making. He showed good poise passing out of double teams and finding the open man both in transition and in the half court.
Defensively, Richardson’s size may cause some issues at the NBA level but he was able to use his athleticism and competitive spirit to be a disruptor on that end in college. He racked up a surprising amount of blocks for a guard and created turnovers with his active hands. He is also a strong positional defender who moves his feet well and can keep up with quick guards.
Drafting Jase Richardson will likely be quite a stretch for the Pistons but if he does fall outside of the top 24, it might not cost that much to move up and be in a position to acquire him. Watching Richardson play, it’s clear that he is the type of skilled and even-keeled player who can end up having a better career than many of the prospects drafted ahead of him. And at just 19 years old, he has plenty of time to grow into the Pistons’ combo guard of the future.