Matt Dery: Pistons Right in Middle of the Madness
I have to admit, this draft is more and more unappealing every day.
But I love it. How can you not be a little excited for tomorrow night? The NBA Draft is upon us and it is another opportunity for the Pistons to improve themselves. Detroit has the number 8 pick in the first round and two second round selections including number 33, which is the third pick in round 2. Joe Dumars and his staff have been everywhere, watching workouts overseas, and here in the states. This organization is due for some luck and also due to add a piece or two that will add some excitement. But, and this is a rather large but, this draft is very weak and tricky. With a lockout looming, the 2011 draft is without some real stone-cold lock difference-makers.
Harrison Barnes is back in school. Perry Jones is back in school.
Jared Sullinger decided to return to Ohio State. It has weakened this draft and pushed some of the underexposed and raw European players to the front of the line. One of those young dudes could land in Auburn Hills.
The Pistons are sitting at number 8 with many options. I have talked to numerous sources inside and outside of the organization who believe that this team is focused on adding to the frontcourt. Many fans want Kemba Walker from UConn, who did workout at the Palace recently, but is that the right fit? The Pistons already have an undersized scoring guard in Ben Gordon, who is signed for another three years. Is Walker a 1 or is he a 2? He told a national radio host yesterday that he is going in to this draft as a point guard. I do not think the Pistons take him. What about Bismack Biyombo? The power forward from the Congo is intriguing, but is he worthy of the number 8 selection? Can the Pistons trade down and get Biyombo later in the draft? Does Toronto snag Bismack at number five now that Dwane Casey, a defensive specialist, has been hired as their head coach? I heard Biyombo did well yesterday at his Pistons workout against Tristan Thompson, Markieff Morris, and Keith Benson. His workout in Europe last week was not good and it is on www.youtube.com and you can see it for yourself. Biyombo can block shots, run the floor, and has a great personality. But does he do enough on the offensive end to warrant a number 8 selection? Not yet. Morris and Thompson are in the mix, but are also a pair that the Pistons might be able to grab later in the draft if they can make a deal to move down. Markieff really impressed the Pistons yesterday and his stock is rising. Is he projected to go as high as Jonas Valanciunas or Kawhi Leonard? No. Again, though, this draft is so tricky that there is not a huge talent gap between number 5 and number 15. Detroit likes Valanciunas a lot, but if he cannot come to the NBA until 2012-2013, that will not sit well with fans.
I think Dumars and his staffs are still narrowing their list down as of today. In the past, they pretty much knew who would fall to them when they selected. At number 8 this year, I think they have an idea, but not a crystal clear idea yet. The Cavs at 4 and the Wizards at 6 may make trades and just like last year, a lot of what Detroit does hinges on what Sacramento decides to do at seven. The Kings took DeMarcus Cousins last year at five and now they select seventh, right in front of Detroit.
The Pistons need players. Plural. I'd love to see them trade down and as Yahoo sports reported, maybe get 14 and 23 from Houston for number 8. Add more pieces, get a good lead guard at number 33 and provide some real competition for the guys that are already on the roster. I will see you at the Palace tomorrow night.
