Apr 9, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) brings the ball up court against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Pistons and their fans took it on the chin during the draft lottery. After having the worst record in the league, the worst-case scenario was the Detroit Pistons getting the no. 5 pick. The worst-case scenario happened. The ping-pong balls were against them and they landed at five. It’s time to move on from that gut punch and have hope again! The Pistons still have a great young core with Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Jalen Duren. Also, the fifth overall pick doesn’t mean they are destined to get a bad player. Here are some of the top players to be picked at no. 5 overall.
Detroit Pistons No. 5 Overall
Drafting is hard. NBA history is full of busts that were picked in the top five. Hasheem Thabeet was supposed to be the next great big man and then did absolutely nothing. The Cavaliers took Anthony Bennett with the first overall pick and he flamed out of the league. Kwame Brown was the first player drafted out of high school in the NBA and didn’t pan out. Pistons fans are very familiar with Darko Milicic. This doesn’t even include players that simply had injury problems like Greg Oden. It’s hard to find a player even at the top of the draft. The Pistons have to hope that they can land another quality player at no. 5.
Ray Allen: 1996 NBA Draft
Allen is considered to be one of the best shooters of all time. He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. He had one of the most clutch shots in NBA history with the Miami Heat against the Spurs. Allen won multiple championships with the Heat and Celtics. He was taken right after Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Stephon Marbury.
Kevin Garnett: 1995 NBA Draft
Garnett was selected fifth overall in the 1995 draft right after Jerry Stackhouse and Rasheed Wallace. Over his career, he was one of the best two-way players in the league. He made the all-star team 15 times and led the league in rebounding four years in a row. After spending years in Minnesota, he was traded to the Boston Celtics along with the aforementioned Ray Allen where he won a championship with the team. Pretty good for a player taken fifth.
Dwyane Wade: 2003 NBA Draft
Pistons fans should be familiar with this one. Wade was taken by the Miami Heat in 2003 out of Marquette. The top five of this draft was stacked but it proves the point I am trying to make. LeBron James went first followed by Darko. Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh were taken next before Wade. Wade went on to have a Hall of Fame career that involved winning multiple championships and becoming an icon for the franchise.
Detroit Pistons Should Feel Good About The No. 5 Overall Pick
Picking in the top three would have been great but it doesn’t guarantee getting a franchise cornerstone. The Detroit Pistons and their fans should have hope! Franchise-changing players have been taken much later than no. 5 overall as well. If the front office can find the right fit for the team, the rebuild should be back on track.
