Pre-Draft Outlook
A marvelous season for Detroit ended with a thud in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference semifinals vs. Cleveland. So much until then had been impressive: Winning 60 games, claiming the East’s No. 1 seed, riding guard Cade Cunningham to Kia MVP contender status, Jalen Duren’s rise to All-Star and All-NBA acclaim, and even bouncing back against Orlando from a 3-1 deficit in the first round. Getting eliminated by the Cavs stung, and the abrupt end of the Pistons’ postseason highlighted some holes to plug, primarily additional scoring and backcourt for Cunningham.
The Way to Go
Most of the Pistons’ progress will come from within with the young players such as Duren, Ausar Thompson, and Isaiah Stewart positioned for contract extensions. But the No. 21 pick they got is a legit asset in this deep prospect pool. Duke’s Isaiah Evans could be helpful as a Cunningham sidekick and points source, with shooting range to open up the floor. Three other possibilities: Iowa point guard Bennett Stirtz, Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson and Texas wing Dailyn Swain.
— Steve Aschburner
Under Contract
G: Cade Cunningham
G: Daniss Jenkins
G: Chaz Lanier
G: Caris LeVert
G: Duncan Robinson
G: Marcus Sasser
G/F: Ausar Thompson
F: Ron Holland
F/C: Isaiah Stewart
C/F: Paul Reed
Free agents
G: Javonte Green
G/F: Kevin Huerter
F: Tobias Harris
F: Isaac Jones
C: Jalen Duren