Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Many Detroit Pistons fans wouldn’t mind seeing their favorite NBA team draft Trey Burke from neighboring University of Michigan.
If the Pistons, as expected, pick seventh or eighth, Burke probably will not be available. It’s not sure whether if his skills would fit in to what the Pistons need.
But for their second pick, there’s an outside chance the Pistons could go after another Michigan player who has declared for the NBA prior to his senior season, Tim Hardaway Jr. He obviously played a key role in the team’s drive to the national title game, averaging 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. He’s talking to teams at the NBA draft combine and will be working out with the Bulls.
The Pistons would be wise to take an in-state player, but not necessarily because of the local interests he might provide. The Pistons have brought in various Michigan State and Michigan players in the past, and they usually have not been major performers for the team. Hardaway could be an exception, and it’s certainly worth a try.
He’s a 6-foot-6 guard who could eventually turn into a top player from off the bench. The Pistons may lose veteran guard Will Bynum. Hardaway could perhaps fill that spot, although it might take him a year or two to develop.
The Pistons could use a 6-foot-6 guard for a change instead of always investing in that playmaker that is below six feet tall. A guard of Hardaway’s size might come in handy for the Pistons on various occasions. He should be selected with their second pick, if he’s still available.
