Apr 12, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; A general shot of a basketball with a Detroit Pistons logo on it during the third quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons beat the Hornets 116-77. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Pistons experienced a worst-case scenario last night for the 2023 NBA Draft. After losing 65 games, the most of any team last season, they ended up only getting the fifth overall pick. No Victor Wembanyama. No Scoot Henderson. Brandon Miller is off the table. The fifth pick was the literal worst-case scenario. The rebuilding plan just got a little more complicated but not impossible. This draft is pretty deep and has a lot of talent to offer. What options do the Pistons have in the 2023 NBA Draft?
Cam Whitmore, Villanova
In recent years, Villanova has produced a lot of quality NBA talent. Whitemore also fills a position of need for the Pistons. He is a big wing that fits great with Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. He has flashes of some scoring ability and could turn into a complementary scorer for a second unit or on nights when Cunningham or Ivey are struggling. Wing players are a premium position in the NBA right now and picking up one of the best in the draft would be a win.
(Courtesy of Overtime Elite)
Ausar Thompson, Overtime Elite
I’m a Thompson twins fan. Not much is known about them due to the limited exposure of Overtime Elite but the tape is great. Ausar Thompson provides size, playmaking, and defense. His size of 6’6″ and 7’0″ wingspan means he is a switchable defender which is valuable in today’s positionless NBA. His athleticism is off the charts and would be an exciting piece to bring into this young core. There are things that need to be worked on but he would get plenty of opportunities to do so for the Detroit Pistons.
Detroit Pistons Trade Their 2023 NBA Draft Pick
If Wembanyama was the pick in the 2023 NBA Draft for the Pistons, the rebuild would be moving into the next phase. However, one could argue that this team is still a year away. They could trade back in the draft and pick up future draft capital to either use on more talent or trade pieces in future seasons. The trick is that dictates that a team wants a player at five but it should be something Detroit looks at. The team could also try and move the pick for a savvy veteran as well which could help move the needle.
The Detroit Pistons Future Is Still Bright Despite 2023 NBA Draft
Last night was a gut punch but the future is still bright in Detroit. Cunningham and Ivey have the potential to be one of the best backcourts in the league. Jalen Duren looks to be a really nice piece and he is very young. James Wiseman was acquired via trade and could be an absolute steal. If they do pick at five, that player will be added to the young core. The team has tradeable pieces as well and draft capital to move. The Pistons are still in a great position to be one of the best teams in the NBA in a couple of years.
The 2023 NBA draft will be hard to watch if you are a Detroit Pistons fan. It will be a constant reminder of the gut punch from yesterday. However, top picks don’t always mean top players. Busts happen even in the top five. While the Pistons are picking fifth, they could end up with the best player in the draft. That’s the hope fans have to hold onto for now.
