Close Article Return to stream X
NBA •

2015 NBA Draft: 5 Perfect First-Round Fits For Detroit Pistons

+Read full article
Raj Mehta- USA Today Sports

2015 NBA Draft- 5 Perfect First-Round Fits For Detroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons
Raj Mehta- USA Today Sports

After a strong start to the 2014-15 season, the Detroit Pistons lost their All-Star point guard Brandon Jennings to a season-ending Achilles injury and completely fell apart down the stretch. Finishing with one of the worst records in the league, the Pistons landed the No. 8 overall pick in the draft and have plenty of questions regarding the personnel on the roster going forward. Here are five perfect first-round fits for the Pistons.

5. Stanley Johnson

Stanley Johnson
Kirby Lee- USA Today Sports

5. Stanley Johnson

Stanley Johnson
Kirby Lee- USA Today Sports

The Pistons need an infusion of youth and athleticism at the small forward position, and Stanley Johnson could provide that exact kind of spark. Johnson is one of the top multi-skilled forwards coming out of the draft and could really have an impact on both sides of the ball for Detroit’s second unit. Defensively, Johnson’s frame alone makes him such an intriguing prospect with the ability to guard three different positions.

4. Mario Hezonja

Mario Hezonja
Aykut Akici- Getty Images

4. Mario Hezonja

Mario Hezonja
Aykut Akici- Getty Images

The shooting guard position is arguably the weakest spot on the Pistons’ roster. Mario Hezonja’s wingspan and frame alone make him an outstanding shooting guard and a perfect option for the Pistons' starting five. Hezonja runs the floor better than most in the draft, and he can finish at the rim with ease. His quickness and efficient shooting make him a solid option for the Pistons with the No. 8 overall pick.

3. Devin Booker

Devin Booker
Rick Osentoski- USA Today Sports

3. Devin Booker

Devin Booker
Rick Osentoski- USA Today Sports

If the Pistons are looking for a pure shooter (something their backcourt struggled with consistently this past season) out of the draft, Devin Booker is their best option in the first round. Booker shot over 43 percent from both the field and beyond the arc last year, and he has the height to take advantage of most other shooting guards in the NBA in terms of getting a shot off. Booker is the best shooter in this draft class, hands down.

2. Willie Cauley-Stein

Willie Cauley-Stein
Rick Osentoski- USA Today Sports

2. Willie Cauley-Stein

Willie Cauley-Stein
Rick Osentoski- USA Today Sports

With the uncertainty of Greg Monroe’s contract, the Pistons might want to consider drafting a strong power forward or center to take his spot in the starting lineup. Willie Cauley-Stein’s defense will be a real game changer in the NBA, as he has the quickness and versatility to guard all five positions. A starting frontcourt of Cauley-Stein and Andre Drummond would be a nightmare for any opponent.

1. Trey Lyles

Trey Lyles
Bob Donnan- USA Today Sports

1. Trey Lyles

Trey Lyles
Bob Donnan- USA Today Sports

This is the player most mock draft experts have pegged the Pistons selecting with the No. 8 overall pick, and for good reason. Trey Lyles has the potential to be a phenomenal stretch forward in the NBA, something the Pistons' offense has desperately needed to space the floor. Lyles also rebounds at an exceptional rate, grabbing over 5.2 a game in just 20 average minutes.

Jared Doyle is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
Your Favorites
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

Kevin Durant Calls Reggie Jackson's Antics 'Bush League'

The Oklahoma City Thunder elected to sit Kevin Durant against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, and it ultimately backfired as the Pistons pulled off a huge victory. Pistons point guard and former teammate of Durant's in Oklahoma City Reggie Jackson was rather animated after the win. Jackson's antics didn't sit well with Durant, who called his behavior "bush league."

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

Drummond Makes Westbrook Look Like A Nobody With Rejection

The Detroit Pistons have quietly worked their way into the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference, and they have been playing some excellent basketball of late. Much of Detroit's success can be attributed to Andre Drummond, who is having a fantastic campaign. On Tuesday night, Drummond let Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook know not to drive the lane without thinking twice by emphatically rejecting his layup attempt in this video.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

Watch Andre Drummond's Game-Winning Tip-In

Andre Drummond is not necessarily known for skillful touch around the basket, but he came through with a clutch tip-in for the Detroit Pistons on Monday night.

Comment 0 Comments
 
 
Close Article Return to stream X
NBA• Videos•

Pistons' Andre Drummond Hits Floor After Being Rejected By Rim

Andre Drummond did his best Carmelo Anthony impression against the New York Knicks on Saturday night. Drummond went up for a massive dunk and was hilariously rejected by the rim. If that wasn't embarrassing enough, he ended up flat on his butt on the Madison Square Garden hardwood.

Comment 0 Comments