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The Detroit Pistons and their unfortunate NBA Draft Lottery luck continues. For the third straight season, the Pistons once again landed the worst-case scenario No. 5 pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft.
Hope was centered around Detroit leaving the lottery with a selection close to the top after finishing last season with an all-time franchise-worst record of 14-68. Even after their last-place finish and high odds of landing with the first pick, the Pistons dropped to five behind the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and Atlanta Hawks.
The Pistons are currently in the early stages of attempting to hire a new President of Basketball Operations. General Manager Troy Weaver has been in charge of those responsibilities since 2020. Under the leadership of Weaver, the Pistons have totaled a record of 74-244. The new hire will have final say of the draft results for the franchise.
The Pistons really need to maximize the development of franchise point guard Cade Cunningham. The former 2021 No. 1 overall pick is coming off of career numbers averaging 22.7 points, 7.5 assists to go with 44.9% shooting from the field and 35.5% from three. Surrounding him with the appropriate resources has to be the priority heading into this offseason.
Detroit needs to make the useful value of their pick when the draft comes on June 26. While the circumstances are unlucky, the Pistons desperately need to land a helpful building block to build a winning team.
Forward Matas Buzelis, G-League Ignite
Perimeter depth is still one of the most pressing issues for the Pistons. Distance shooting and poor defense on the wing were some of the biggest anchors leading to the Pistons’ struggles last season.
Matas Buzelis could be a helpful addition to assist in Detroit if selected. The 6-10 swingman had a tough 2023-24 in terms of shooting for the G-League Ignite hitting only 27.3% of his threes. Buzelis did show the ability to defend multiple positions and be a reliable secondary scorer. He averaged 14.3 points on 44.5% shooting from the field along with 6.9 rebounds.
The best way to set the Pistons up for success is with more proven shooting and versatile defenders on the roster. Buzelis has the mechanics to be an improved shooter and a great fit in Detroit.
Guard Dalton Knecht, University of Tennessee
The Pistons’ front office must find a way to add complimentary scorers around Cunningham. Shooting guard Dalton Knecht was one of the best scorers in college basketball and could be a seamless fit in Detroit.
Knecht averaged 21.7 points on 45.7% shooting from the field and 39.7% from three in his senior year with Tennessee. He also improved as a defender as the season went on with his 6-6 frame. Knecht may not translate into a primary scorer, but his skill set would be beneficial to the Pistons and Cunningham.
Forward Cody Williams, University of Colorado
Most teams in the Pistons’ position would be drafting for best player available first. However, with Cunningham as their priority, they need to add scorers who fit on the roster and can take pressure off the point guard. Considering the order of the draft, many players could be in play including Colorado swingman Cody Williams.
Williams has tremendous upside as a complementary two-way player if drafted by the Pistons. The 6’8 19-year-old is the younger brother of rising Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams. His 2023-24 season was impressive averaging 11.9 points on 55.2 shooting from the field and 41.5% from three. With proper coaching and added strength, Williams’ defensive prowess could improve over the start of NBA career.
More must-reads:
- Knicks poised to lose impressive big man in free agency?
- Pistons parting ways with GM after hiring new head of ops
- The 'Most three-pointers made in the playoffs' quiz
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