Pistons Mock Draft Roundup: Who Will They Take At No. 18?
By Dan Jenkins
@DanTJenkins
The NBA Draft is finally upon us. This Thursday, 60 hopefuls will get their names called by Commissioner Adam Silver and begin their dream of playing in the NBA.
The Detroit Pistons are on the outside of the lottery looking in for the first time since they selected Austin Daye with the 15th pick in the 2009 draft. That's not counting -- of course -- when the team lost its first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets in 2014.
Team president and coach Stan Van Gundy has many options at No. 18 in this year's draft, but many believe the team has it narrowed down to two positions -- point guard and power forward.
The team is weakest at both positions and will need to add depth through either the draft, trades or free agency this summer.
Here's a look at who some experts think the Pistons will select with the 18th pick:
ESPN.com: F Thon Maker, Australia
"Denzel Valentine seems like an obvious fit in Detroit, but concerns about the long-term health of his knees are giving some teams pause. If the Pistons pass on him at 18, then you'll know the concerns were significant, as they really like him.
Maker is trending in the opposite direction. He's nowhere near ready to play in the NBA, but his upside is so intriguing and he's a very good long-term fit in Detroit next to Andre Drummond. If the Pistons are patient, Maker could pay off big-time."
NBADraft.net: G Denzel Valentine, Michigan State
Draft Express: F Cheick Diallo, Kansas
L.A. Times: C Ante Zizic, Croatia
"His length and activity is something the Pistons like. He'll need to get stronger."
Yahoo!: PG Demetrius Jackson, Notre Dame
"The Pistons need help at point guard behind Reggie Jackson with Spencer Dinwiddie headed to Chicago and Steve Blake isn't the answer. Jackson is undersized at 6'1", but his athleticism makes up for it. He could step in right away and help the Pistons take another step forward in the East. If the Pistons decide to not go with a point guard, I bet Denzel Valentine gets a long look as well. "
Bleacher Report: G Denzel Valentine, Michigan State
USA Today: F Taurean Prince, Baylor
"Prince shot 37.6% from three-point range during his four year career at Baylor, which along with his defensive versatility makes it easy to project him as a role player."
Sports Illustrated: G Denzel Valentine, Michigan State
Who do you think the Pistons should select at No. 18 on Thursday? Vote in our poll below.
