The Detroit Pistons finished the 2021-22 season with a record of 23-59 which was the third-worst in the NBA. This poor performance presented them with a great opportunity to secure a top pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. The NBA recently adjusted the lottery odds to give the three worst teams each a 14% chance at securing the top pick. Despite their hopes of having a chance at adding a franchise-altering player to pair with Cade Cunningham, Detroit ended up with the fifth pick in the upcoming draft.
The Pistons should still be excited about this opportunity. There has been a great deal of buzz about the top three prospects in this draft but the class is deeper than that. The young core of Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey, Killian Hayes, and more is a great start to their rebuild. Detroit will look to add another key piece to the puzzle this year and here are three names to watch.
3 best options for Pistons in 2022 NBA Draft
Bennedict Mathurin- SG/SF Arizona
While each of the top three players is deservingly there, Bennedict Mathurin possesses a similar level of “it factor.” He has a star mentality and wants the ball in his hands for big moments. The Arizona product has an impressive offensive game that allows him to make an impact on the Pistons in a variety of ways. He is effective in the catch-and-shoot as well as in isolation. Mathurin averaged 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists this season. Arizona often used Mathurin off screens and he excels in isolation as well.
While he did not stay locked in at all times defensively, he has the tools to put it together on this side of the ball. He stands about 6’6” with good athletic ability and body control. Bennedict Mathurin has an NBA-ready game and would be a slam dunk pick at the number five pick.
Keegan Murray- PF/SF Iowa
After averaging just 7.2 points per game in 18 minutes of play as a freshman, Keegan Murray took a massive jump in year two. The Iowa product played a massive role in the team’s success and filled up the stat sheet each game. He averaged 23.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.9 blocks this season. Murray is effective without the ball which is a massive advantage at the NBA level. He is a high percentage shooter from all three levels including shooting 39.8% on 4.7 three-point attempts per game this season.
There is some concern about his positional fit at the next level. He stands 6’8” with a reported 6’11” wingspan. Murray moves fluidly and should be able to handle switchable NBA defensive schemes. He lacks as a rim protector but this will not likely be his role on the Pistons. Murray seems much more cut for a Mikael Bridges type of role- which is far from a negative.
Jaden Ivey- G Purdue
Another player who burst onto the scene as a sophomore, Jaden Ivey possesses an exciting burst in his game. There is some concern with the fit alongside Cade Cunningham but Ivery’s talent level may be too much to pass on. While he is fairly ball-dominant, the Purdue product is at his best when scoring the basketball. He can blow by defenders when getting downhill and is also capable of rising up for a highlight-reel dunk. There is an influence of Ja Morant in his game and Ivey also flashes star potential.
The most notable development in his play was his improved shooting as a sophomore. Ivey shot just 25.8% on three-pointers as a freshman before increasing his percentage to 35.8% this season. This type of improvement certainly raises his NBA ceiling. The 6’4” guard will be at his best when surrounded by shooters as the pressure he brings when attacking the basket forces defenses to collapse. There have been some swirling rumors that the Kings may be fielding trade offers for the 4th pick with teams hoping to get up and select Ivey. He does not make much sense for Sacramento given to the presence of DeAaron Fox and Davion Mitchell. If the Kings elect to remain at the fourth pick and make a selection, Ivey would be a great addition for the Pistons.
While there is naturally some disappointment at not getting the top pick, the Pistons are still in a great spot. Look for them to allow the draft to develop and capitalize on the best option. There are several great additions beyond the top three picks despite the seeming lack of buzz. If the Pistons are able to grab any of these three options, their rebuild is on the right track.
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