A Point Guard Needs To Be Detroit Pistons’ Main Draft Priority
There might not be a team that needs a PG more than the Detroit Pistons. With the NBA Draft approaching, the time to select a franchise ball handler is upon them. And make no mistake about it, there are great options for Detroit, some with franchise player potential.
Derrick Rose had a resurgence during the shortened 2019-20 season. Looking more like his MVP self, the Pistons reaped the benefits of his play. Of course, that didn’t amount to many wins. With Rose becoming a free agent next season, the Pistons need someone to take the mantle of team leader and a top offensive option for the next decade.
Nobody will say that the 2020 NBA Draft class is strong. There doesn’t seem to be a player that stands out as a true superstar. But, as with any draft, that’s impossible to predict. With the Pistons picking 7th, they should be able to get themselves a PG, and a solid one at that, with their first pick.
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A lot of hype has surrounded two PG’s during the pre-draft process, Killian Hayes and Tyrese Haliburton. These are the two top PG’s in the Pistons range. Either option would be a win for the Pistons. While neither project to be the scorer that Rose was during his time in Detroit (at least not as of now), both play the position well.
Haliburton projects as one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft. He was a jack of all trades for Iowa State. However, he doesn’t scream superstar. On the other hand, Hayes is more of a mystery. He has some offensive flaws but could be the best player o this draft class.
If you’re the Detroit Pistons, the franchise PG is your most glaring need. They are in rebuild mode and could use any help at all positions, although a cornerstone at the 1 is the backbone of all winning teams. This isn’t going to be a quick turnaround. Selecting a PG now, with Rose still on the roster, gives Detroit some time for their new PG to adjust, especially given the limited time between draft and start of the season
Now, in addition to Haliburton and Hayes, Detroit does have the luxury of a few other standout PG options. This would come in handy on the off chance Hayes and Haliburton are both gone. That’s a distinct possibility seeing as they are projected to go anywhere in the top-10.
Tyrell Terry, one of the draft’s best shooters, and Kira Lewis, the fastest prospect this year, are both options for them. The nice thing about Terry and Lewis, they can be had 5-15 picks later than their 7th selection. This means Detroit can trade down, acquire assets, and still get themselves a franchise guard.
This scenario benefits Detriot a lot more. If you can get a Terry or Lewis, who might not have the leadership and versatility of Haliburton or the intrigue of Hayes, and combine that with another first this or next year, or perhaps even a second-rounder, they can add more depth. Both Terry and Lewis can be starting NBA guards. It’s not a consolation prize if they can take one of the two by trading down.
As stated before, Detroit won’t be a success overnight. They need help at all positions. With the need for a PG, this is the best decision the front office can make. They may opt to take help at another position, that’s possible. But, with 4 potential starting PG options at your disposal, make the right choice. Take the point guard and don’t look back.
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Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
