The Pistons have the best chance of landing the No. 1 pick for the fourth straight year, but this draft class has been called one of the worst in recent memory, because many executives and recruiters don’t believe there is real star power at the top. So who will Detroit choose? Some names and scenarios to consider:
If Detroit lands the No. 1 pick…
Alexandre Sarr | 7 feet 1 tall | 19 years old | Perth Wildcats
While Sarr isn’t the unanimous No. 1 pick at this point, he appears to be the favorite. I think he would definitely be the Pistons’ first pick if the ping pong balls are kind.
Sarr has the highest upside of any prospect in this class, in my opinion, and has greatly improved this season playing overseas. Defensively, Sarr has a chance to be special. He defends well in space for his size. He flies around the field and can stay in front of smaller players. On the edge, Sarr is an intimidating presence with his length. And if he’s not blocking shots, he’s probably disrupting them.
If Detroit lands, it picks 2-3…
Stephon Castle | 6-foot-6 wing | 19 years old | Connecticut
For a team that needs more wing defense 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 that reminds me a bit of Orlando Magic’s Anthony Black with his IQ, size, defensive versatility, and toughness. I see him more as a secondary ball handler than a primary 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 that it currently doesn’t have a wing-sized secondary playmaker with skills as a guard. Ausar Thompson will get there someday, but his handle isn’t yet tight enough to be a premier ball handler for large sections of games. Castle would help fill that void for Detroit.
Matas Buzelis | 6-foot-9 wing | 19 years old | The G League is on fire
Buzelis is weird because I view him as a late lottery prospect in most classes. Since I’m not in love with anyone in this class and the Ignite season was a disaster, I can convince myself of his upside as a top-five pick.
He has great size and length for a wing, is athletic and doesn’t need the ball to make an impact. If he wants to play alongside Cunningham, it’s important to be able to be effective in an off-ball role. Watching film, I like what I’ve seen defensively from Buzelis off the ball, but I wonder how he’ll hold up the ball at the NBA level, especially early on.
