The Pistons have the best odds of landing the No. 1 pick for the fourth consecutive year, but this draft class has been labeled as one of the worst in recent memory, as many executives and scouts don’t believe there is real star power at the top. So who will Detroit pick? A few names and scenarios to consider:
If Detroit lands the No. 1 pick…
Alexandre Sarr | 7-foot-1 big | 19 years old | Perth Wildcats
While Sarr isn’t the unanimous No. 1 pick at this point, he seems to be the favorite. I think he’d definitely be the top choice for the Pistons if the ping-pong balls are kind.
Sarr has the highest upside of any prospect in this class, in my opinion, and has improved greatly this season playing overseas. Defensively, Sarr has a chance to be special. He defends well in space for his size. He flies around the court and can stay in front of small players. At the rim, Sarr is an intimidating presence because of his length. And if he’s not blocking shots, he’s likely disrupting them.
If Detroit lands picks 2-3…
Stephon Castle | 6-foot-6 wing | 19 years old | Connecticut
For a roster that needs more defense on the wing and high-IQ players, Castle makes too much sense for Detroit in this range. Oh, and he’s already a winner.
Castle is a guard/wing hybrid who somewhat reminds me of the Orlando Magic’s Anthony Black with his IQ, size, defensive versatility and tenacity. I see him more of a secondary ballhandler than a lead guard at the NBA level, which is perfect for the Pistons, who have Cade Cunningham running the offense. One of Detroit’s biggest issues is it doesn’t currently have a wing-sized secondary playmaker with guard skills. Ausar Thompson will get there one day, but his handle isn’t tight enough yet to be a lead ballhandler for large sections of games. Castle would help fill that void for Detroit.
Matas Buzelis | 6-foot-9 wing | 19 years old | G League Ignite
Buzelis is a weird one because I’d view him as a late-lottery prospect in most classes. As I’m not in love with anyone in this class and the Ignite season was a mess, I can talk myself into his upside as a top-five pick.
He’s got great size and length for a wing, is athletic and doesn’t need the ball to be impactful. If he’s going to play alongside Cunningham, being able to be effective in an off-ball role is important. In watching film, I like what I’ve seen defensively from Buzelis off the ball but do have questions how he’ll hold up on the ball at the NBA level, especially early on.
