| 30 Teams, 30 Days: Detroit Draft Preview (15th) Authored by Jason M. Williams - June 14, 2007 - 12:37 pm
2006-2007 Finish: 53-29
Draft Picks: 15th, 27th, 57th
What they do well
After watching the Detroit Pistons reach their fifth consecutive Eastern Conference Finals, you may be wondering how they are selecting with the fifteenth pick in the Draft. They acquired this pick from the Orlando Magic in the Darko Milicic trade last year, and are now able to add to their already-strong core with one of the top 15 players in this year’s Draft.
They have a fearsome foursome who has delivered as the Eastern’s Elite ever since the acquisition of Rasheed Wallace in the 2003-04 season. Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and Rasheed Wallace are as strong a starting foursome as any other in the league. Despite the departure of Ben Wallace to the Bulls, they still are in contention for the title of strongest starting five in the league, no matter who occupies the fifth spot.
Along with the experience, talent, toughness, and confidence of the Piston core, they also received solid seasons from Antonio McDyess, Chris Webber, and Jason Maxiell. With Maxiell and Carlos Delfino developing into solid rotation players, and Amir Johnson gaining experience in the NBDL, the Detroit Pistons look to build upon their recent run of success by adding another top talent to their already formidable squad.
Where do they need improvement?
The Pistons are coming off another strongly successful season, but now face a potential off-season that could derail their franchise off the path to success. After failing to defeat another member of the 2003 Draft Class in the Conference Finals for the second consecutive year, the Pistons must decide what to do with their potential free agents. Billups, McDyess, Webber, Dale Davis, and Flip Murray are all capable of bolting Detroit via free agency this off-season. The team will not only need to explore its options on the trade front, but more importantly, address these potential losses in this Draft.
Even if Billups remains with the team, they are thin at both guard spots. With only the ancient Lindsey Hunter and potential free agent Flip Murray serving as suitable backups to their All-Star backcourt tandem, it is obvious where Joe Dumars must focus his first pick in this year’s Draft.
Who should they target?
- Javaris Crittenton, PG – Georgia Tech:
Crittenton has the physical gifts that could make him a steal in this Draft. His 6-5 size allows him to see over defenders at the point and make passes a smaller point guard is incapable of making. With an extremely quick first step and amazing lateral quickness, he has the ability to be as good a playmaker and scorer as a young Steve Francis or Stephon Marbury. The biggest problem with the Piston offense is their lack of a guy who can penetrate and can break down defenses and kick to the open man. The Billups-run offense often relies on screens and movement without the ball, but Crittenton will be able to slice through the defense and set up his outside shooters. His own personal outside shot needs work, but the Pistons are already equipped with exterior marksmanship from Rasheed, Tayshaun, and Hamilton.
- Acie Law IV, PG – Texas A&M:
One of the most fearless shoot-first point guards in recent Draft history, Law often wants the ball with the game on the line. As a floor leader with great court vision and an even greater ability to score in the clutch, he fits the mold of a young Sam Cassell or Chauncey Billups. What better way to replace the soon-to-be 31 year-old Billups who will be commanding a very lucrative contract this off-season, with a soon-to-be 22 year-old potentially better version of Billups with a minimal and structured rookie contract? With or without Billups, Law would provide the Pistons with a suitable backup at the point who will thrive and mesh well with the veteran leaders already in their lineup.
- Rodney Stuckey, SG – Eastern Washington:
Despite coming from a smaller school, Stuckey has the tools to become a quick combo guard with a similar skill set comparable to Minnesota’s Randy Foye. Like Crittenton, he has a knack for cutting through the defense and finishing at the hoop. He can create open shots with his penetration and has a solid mid-range game as well. Perhaps even more valuable than his 24.6 points per game, his long 6-4 frame and deceptive quickness enable him to be a lockdown defender on opposing point guards.
Picks since 2000
The Pistons have been to the past five Eastern Conference Finals, thus, haven’t really had much opportunity to make a big splash in the top half of the Draft lately. However, they did have a very Sam-Bowie-esque pick by passing on perennial superstars Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh in favor of the Orlando-bound Darko Milicic. Pistons fans argue that it doesn’t matter because they won the 2004 NBA Title. However, we think it will eventually matter when the Pistons are watching Melo, Wade, and Bosh hoisting trophies with LeBron for the next two decades.
Despite the foolish Darko-decision by Joe Dumars, he has done a great job finding talent late in the draft with picks including Maxiell at 26, Prince at 23 and All-Star Mehmet Okur in the second round. Watch out for second-rounder Amir Johnson as the high school phenom was dominant at times this year in the NBDL.
2006
Will Blalock, 60th
2005
Jason Maxiell, 26th
Amir Johnson, 56th
Alex Acker, 60th
2004
Ricky Paulding, 55th
2003
Darko Milicic, 2nd
Carlos Delfino, 25th
Andreas Gliniadakis, 58th
2002
Tayshaun Prince, 23rd
2001
Rodney White, 9th
Mehmet Okur, 38th
2000
Mateen Cleaves, 14th
Brian Cardinal, 44th
Who do you want the Pistons to draft at number 15? Feel free to contact Jason M. Williams with your thoughts. He can be reached at Jason.Williams@RealGM.com for comments or questions. |
