Detroit Pistons Select Sharpshooting Forward in Recent NBA Mock Draft

Who did the Detroit Pistons grab in The Ringer's latest mock draft?

Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht (3) makes a layup against Purdue guard Braden Smith (3) during the / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Since the Detroit Pistons have one of the worst records in the NBA this season, they’ll be picking at the top of the NBA draft again. In 2023, they selected forward Ausar Thompson with the fifth overall pick.

Due to the new lottery system, the Pistons will have equal odds with two other teams for the top pick. Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer recently put together a mock draft and had Detroit picking fourth overall. With that selection, they chose Tennessee forward Dalton Knecht.

Knecht is an older prospect, having spent five years in college. He is a 6-foot-6 forward that is most known for his shooting. Knecht is coming off a senior season where he averaged 21.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 1.8 APG. The Tennessee forward also shot just under 40% from beyond the arc on over six attempts per game.

Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht (3) scores on the transition in the second half of the NCAA Tournament / Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA

For his pro comps, KOC listed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Max Strus when breaking down Knecht’s game. These are far from star-level players, but he is the type of complementary piece the Pistons need.

Looking at the Pistons’ core, one thing they lack is outside shooting. This is something they tried to address at the trade deadline, bringing in players like Simone Fontecchio and Quentin Grimes. Drafting Knecht would give them another forward on the roster with three-and-D potential.

This season, the Pistons are 27th in the NBA in three-point attempts per game at 31.6. They are also 26th in percentage at 34.8%. Detroit already has two non-shooters in their core with Thompson and Jalen Duren. It’s far from a flashy pick, but the Pistons might want to consider drafting for fit.

Knecht is an experienced prospect who understands his role and can be productive from day one. Bringing in this archetype of player not only helps the non-shooters, but opens the floor for Cade Cunningham as well.