Detroit Pistons (20-52)
Picks: 1, 37, 42, 52
| Draft Prospects | Odds to Go No. 1 (via BetMGM) |
| Cade Cunningham | -5000 |
| Jalen Green | +1400 |
| Evan Mobley | +2200 |
Luck finally shined on the Detroit Pistons. The franchise hasn't received the No. 1 pick in 51 years, with Bob Lanier being their last top pick.
Detroit is a young team that can really go in any direction with their draft picks.
Pistons players such as Jerami Grant, Josh Jackson, and All-Rookie selection Saddiq Bey would become even better players with a game-changing lead ball-handler (point guard) or big man (or center) next to them.
This makes it hard to see Detroit taking a serious look at anyone at No. 1 besides big Oklahoma State guard Cade Cunningham and USC center Evan Mobley.
NBA Draft Needs
- Lead Ball Handler/Point Guard: The Pistons started six different players at point guard in the 2020-21 season, including veterans Delon Wright and Cory Joseph, and young prospects like Saben Lee, Frank Jackson, and Dennis Smith Jr. This group couldn't keep the Detroit offense in order, which resulted in them finishing 26th in offensive efficiency.
- Rim Protector/Center: Mason Plumlee was great in the 2021 season but the options behind him weren't. Rookie Isaiah Stewart is undersized for the center position, but did make an impact for Detroit off the bench. Jahlil Okafor provided a scoring punch but little defense. A player like Evan Mobley could get a longer look than expected at No. 1 for this reason.
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