The Detroit Pistons went into the 2011 NBA Draft with three picks at 8, 33 and 52. They were also looking to rebuild after missing the playoffs two straight seasons and firing their head coach John Kuester after a disastrous 2010-11 season.
So with this year’s draft in the books, lets see how the Pistons fared.
First Round, 8th Overall – Brandon Knight – PG, Kentucky
Who would’ve thought that Brandon Knight would fall to the Pistons at 8? With Jonas Valanciunas and Bismack Biyombo both off the board the Pistons almost had no choice but to draft the best player on the board in Knight. Brandon Knight also fits a need for the Pistons at the point and is a character guy who should help out the locker room.
Grade: A-
Second Round, 33rd Overall – Kyle Singler – F, Duke
The Singler pick was a bit of a head scratcher for the Pistons since they already have an abundance of lanky small forwards. To Singler’s credit though he is a complete player that can play on both ends of the court. And also like Knight, Singler is a character guy that will benefit the locker room. It makes you wonder though whether or not a guy like Austin Daye becomes expendable.
Grade: C+
Second Round, 52nd Overall – Vernon Macklin – F, Florida
Finally the Pistons take a big man in Vernon Macklin with the 52nd overall pick. Macklin spent two seasons at Georgetown before transferring to the University of Florida. He is a former McDonalds High School All American and according to Pistons VP Scott Perry, Macklin is a guy that will help bring more toughness to the franchise because of his aggressiveness in the paint and length.
Grade: B-
Final Thoughts
Overall I’m pretty satisfied with what Joe Dumars did in this years draft. I’m pretty ecstatic about the Brandon Knight pick and although it would’ve been nice for them to draft a big man earlier, it’s nice they could get a guy like Singler who can help on both ends of the court. It’s definitely going to be interesting what they do with guys like Rodney Stuckey and Austin Daye considering the additions of Knight and Singler.
Overall Grade: B
Source: NBA.com, Detroit News