In the immediate wake of the Pistons winning the NBA Draft lottery for the first time since 1970 we’re already hearing talk of the team potentially trading out of the first overall pick.
News of this comes via Rod Beard of the Detroit News quoting Pistons GM Troy Weaver who says that trading the No. 1 overall pick is an “option”.
Most of this speculation is more than likely centered around G-League Ignite guard Jalen Green being more of a compliment to Killian Hayes and/or the idea of USC center Evan Mobley providing Detroit with the opportunity of a solid frontcourt that would include Isaiah Stewart, Jerami Grant, and Mason Plumlee.
Green and Mobley are obviously solid in their own right as Green averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.1 three-pointers made and 1.5 steals over the course of 15 games. This included shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from beyond the arc.
Meanwhile, in his only season with USC, the 7-foot Mobley averaged 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game while adding a 57.8 shooting percentage from the field.
Now all of this is great and either of these players would obviously be considerations if the Pistons were picking at two, three, or even four.
But they’re picking number one.
Prior to the 2020-21 college season, Cunningham was already considered the top pick heading into this year’s draft and he only maintained that consensus as the year went on.
In 27 games for Oklahoma State, Cunningham averaged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.6 steals, while shooting 43.8 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from beyond the arc. Not only that Cunningham also solidified himself as an incredibly versatile player with the ability to both distribute and score already providing Detroit with the option to play him at the point or the two spot — although it’s incredibly likely that if and when the Pistons draft Cunningham he’ll likely start at the point.
All of this considered let us keep in mind that Pistons haven’t had a legitimate ball distributor since Chauncey Billups. And nothing against Killian Hayes, the guy is going to be a fine player for Detroit, but he’s not a player you’re looking to complement or build around, considering Hayes is much more of a project player and especially given the opportunity the Pistons have been given here.
When it comes to Mobley, I’m much more intrigued by the idea of having a big man who can score, especially when you consider the Pistons will be small upfront heading into next season. Still, though, that’s not going to mean a whole lot if you don’t solidify the point and get a guy who can distribute the ball.
Support independent sports media by subscribing to our Patreon!
