Pre-Draft Outlook
The Pistons did something no other NBA team ever had managed, tripling their victory total from one season (14) to the next (44) in a non-lockout year. The improvement came from the continued growth of a young core (five straight top-five picks and seven lottery selections in 10 years) and newcomers Malik Beasley, Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr. and coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Detroit ranked in the top 10 in most major statistical categories after Feb. 1 and went six games against the Knicks in its first playoff appearance since 2019.
The Way to Go
Detroit’s front office is going to have to be a little more sleuthy now after picking at No. 5 for three straight years following the No. 1 overall that landed Cade Cunningham in 2021. Ron Holland II, their lottery guy last year, got good development time playing in 86 of 88 regular- and postseason games. At No. 37 this year? The Athletic had the Pistons landing Duke guard Tyrese Proctor, while ESPN thought Tahaad Pettiford of Auburn.
— Steve Aschburner
Here’s a quick look at Detroit’s current roster entering the Draft:
Under Contract
G: Cade Cunningham
G: Jaden Ivey
G: Marcus Sasser
G/F: Ron Harper Jr.
G/F: Ausar Thompson
F: Simone Fontecchio
F: Ron Holland II
F: Tobias Harris
F: Bobi Klintman
F: Tolu Smith
F/C: Isaiah Stewart
C: Jalen Duren
Free Agents
G: Malik Beasley
G: Daniss Jenkins
G: Dennis Schröder
G/F: Tim Hardaway Jr.
F: Paul Reed
F: Lindy Waters III