The Detroit Pistons have made significant strides this season and appear poised to compete for a play-in or playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
However, with one eye on the future, one of the most prominent needs the team has as it continues to build a squad capable of competing in the playoffs is to find one or more reliable rim protectors. Unfortunately, that is easier said than done.
Detroit has had modest improvements defensively, but they are still just 19th in the NBA in defensive rating and need more size and defense in the middle.
The Pistons own the Raptors' second-round pick in the 2025 draft, which would currently be 35th, a spot where they might be able to find a defensive big.
The Pistons may not end up keeping their 1st-round pick depending on the standings, but the Toronto pick could be a gift in the second round.
Thomas Sorber, 6-10 freshman center, Georgetown
Sorber was not expected to be such a force for the Hoyas, but the center is an excellent rebounder, averaging nearly 16 points and more than eight rebounds per game. Sorber can be effective in the post and as a help-side defender. He plays hard and multiple scouts reportedly project Sorber to improve as a defensive asset. His name is being floated as a late first-rounder to second-round pick, but his on-court performance may eventually price him out of the second-round range.
Ryan Kalkbrenner, 7-1 senior center, Creighton
Kalkbrenner is one of the best shot blockers in college basketball averaging around three blocks per game. He can guard the paint and is a solid defensive rebounder. Kalbrenner is not a naturally gifted offensive player and hasn’t developed a consistent outside shot. Yet, he is still averaging more than 17 points per game. Kalkbrenner could be a more effective rim protector than anyone the Pistons have had in years. The fifth-year senior is an older prospect that is currently mocked in the late first round and early second round.
Khaman Maluach, 7-2 freshman center, Duke
Maluach is raw offensively but has excellent athleticism and size and can defend the rim effectively. He has a nearly 7-foot-5 wingspan and a 28.5” max vertical jump based on his performance at the 2024 Basketball Without Borders camp. Maluach is currently being mocked as a mid to late first rounder and offer significant defensive update. At Duke he is averaging eight points and more than five rebounds with more than one blocked shit per game while playing 18 minutes.
Rocco Zikarsky, 7-3 center, Australia
Zikarsky is more solidly built than fluid, but his size offers significant upside. Zikarsky has decent mobility and projects as a good rebounder and rim protector even though his blocked shots are less than one a game for his team in Brisbane, Australia. His reported shooting touch from mid-range is an added bonus. Zikarsky could shoot up the draft boards depending on this workouts and is projected anywhere from lower lottery pick to the second round.
Tomislav Ivisic, 7-1 freshman center, Illinois (by way of Croatia)
The twin brother of Zvonimir is an effective shooter offensively and an underrated defensive presence. He’s averaging nearly 15 points and more than nine rebounds per game, displaying a nose for the ball. He might be a better rebounder than shot blocker, but Ivisic also can take up space in the lane even if he’s not rejecting shots. Ivisic could sneak into the first round but right now is mocked into the second round by most draft experts.