Detroit Pistons: NBA Draft Needs and Prospect Watchlist

Highlighting the draft needs of the Pistons, as well as plausible selections in their projected range, and how they’d fit in.

This season, Pistons fans have been able to watch their 2022 draft class flourish.

Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren have been two of the best rookies in the league so far, and they'll be joined by burgeoning star and face of the franchise Cade Cunningham when he returns from injury next season. These three players mentioned above make up Detroit’s talented young core, and the front office will look to add to this group as they contend for the top pick in this June’s draft.

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Projected First-Round Pick (Per Tankathon): No. 3

Team Needs: Wing Creation, Shooting, Wing Defense, & Secondary Rim Protection

Should they be unable to land a top-two pick - Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson by default - below are some reasonable prospects Detroit fans should keep their eye on as potential targets come June, and how they’d fit in.

G.G. Jackson, South Carolina

With his versatile skill set, Jackson likely has the highest ceiling of any wing creator in the draft. He could provide Detroit with the perfect blend of self-creation and off-ball scoring next to their backcourt. His tools also give him the potential to excel defensively both on the perimeter and interior down the line, just as the Pistons need. The South Carolina product is the youngest player in the draft, so there will be some growing pains in his development, but he could be on track to become exactly what Motor City needs.

Ausar Thompson, City Reapers (Overtime Elite)

Defensively, Thompson can fulfill any role necessary. He can guard at the point-of-attack, stick wings, or help protect the rim, which would be a massive help to the Pistons' 29th-ranked defense that pretty much needs everything on that end. Offensively, he would form a lethal transition duo with Ivey, and would be able to add half-court playmaking as well as play off of Cunningham. While he isn’t a terrible shooter, his lack of marksmanship may not be ideal next to a young core that already lacks it. However, with how he could transform Detroit’s defense, he may end up as the correct pick.

Brandon Miller, Alabama

The best freshman in the country, Miller may lead Alabama to a deep run in March, which would give Detroit fans ample opportunity to watch him cook. His shot-making ability is incredible, and the way in which he can shoot over defenders off-the-bounce would pop on the Pistons. He would also feast off of the playmaking of Cunningham and Ivey. He leaves some to be desired on defense, but he may be able to amplify Detroit’s offense more than any other prospect outside of the top two.

Maxwell Lewis, Pepperdine

Lewis, a mid-major force, is one of the most well-rounded prospects in the draft. He can shoot, drive, finish, pass, defend, you name it. Not only can he make an instant impact, but his movement tools give him a sky-high ceiling as well. He isn’t the biggest wing, nor does he have a single elite basketball skill, but it may not matter with the way in which he can patch so many of Detroit’s needs.

Other potential targets:

Anthony Black, Arkansas

Gradey Dick, Kansas

Amen Thompson, City Reapers (Overtime Elite)

Jarace Walker, Houston

Dariq Whitehead, Duke

Cam Whitmore, Villanova

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