The NBA lottery is finally here. And with it comes a chance for the Detroit Pistons to land a high draft pick and franchise-altering player — though it isn’t clear whether such a player exists in this year’s draft.
Regardless, the Pistons are certainly hoping to get lucky.
The results of the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery will be aired on ESPN on Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. The Pistons have the fifth-best odds of landing the No. 1 pick, their second-highest odds since the NBA introduced the lottery system in 1984.
[Who should Detroit Pistons take in 2020 NBA draft? Best player available ought to be motto ]
Here’s what you should know going into the lottery.
Who will represent the Pistons this year?
Troy Weaver, from the comfort of his home. Because of the pandemic, the lottery will be virtual this year.
It’s fitting that Weaver, Detroit’s first-year general manager who was hired June 18, will take the virtual stage. Weaver is known across the league for his ability to identify talent in the draft and develop young players. He’ll be leading the rebuild and is probably the closest thing within the organization to a good-luck charm.
How strong are the Pistons’ odds to win it?
The Pistons have a 10.5% chance at the No. 1pick, and a 42.1% chance of moving into the top four. They also have a 55.6% chance of falling in the draft, and can fall as low as ninth. Their full draft odds are as follows:
- 10.5%
- 10.5%
- 10.6%
- 10.5%
- 2.2%
- 19.6%
- 26.7%
- 8.7%
- 0.6%
Since the lottery was introduced in 1984, Detroit has only drafted higher than sixth once in franchise history — in 1994, when they selected Grant Hill third overall. Assuming they avoid the worst-case, and statistically improbable, scenario of falling to ninth, they’ll have their highest draft pick since selecting Stanley Johnson eighth overall in 2015.
How bad will it be if the Pistons move down?
It would be unfortunate, but in a draft that lacks consensus as far as who the best prospects are, an argument can be made that moving down wouldn’t be as detrimental as it would be in an average draft.
It’s also worth noting that the Pistons’ miscues in past drafts haven’t been because of their position. Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker, who has emerged as one of the NBA’s best shooting guards, was drafted five spots after Johnson in 2015. Donovan Mitchell, fresh off a 57-point playoff performance, went a spot after Luke Kennard in 2017.
History suggests that a serviceable, if not standout, player will be available regardless of where the Pistons pick.
What are the Pistons’ needs entering the lottery?
Point guard appears to be the biggest need on the roster. Derrick Rose is the lone point guard under contract for next season, and while he’s coming off of a strong season, the 31-year-old may have more value as a trade chip since he enters free agency in 2021.
But the Pistons have needs up and down the roster, and team brass intend to take the best player available despite the 2020 draft being rich in point guards.
“Best player available and if it is a point guard, we’ll take it,” Pistons coach Dwane Casey told reporters Wednesday. “If it’s not, then we’ll take that player also. Wherever we end up in the lottery we’ll take the best player and hopefully fulfill that other need in free agency if we didn’t get it in the lottery. It really, like you said, depends on where we fall in the draft as far as whether we take a point guard, which is a need for us because right now under contract we have Derrick.”
Who are the best players in the draft?
In rough order:
PG LaMelo Ball, Illawarra — The youngest Ball brother has a flair for flashy passes, is 6-foot-7 and doesn’t turn 19 until Aug. 22.
SG Anthony Edwards, Georgia — One of the most physically gifted guards in the draft, Edwards has the athleticism and tools to be a reliable two-way player.
C James Wiseman, Memphis — He only played three games in college before an NCAA recruiting violation ended his season. Regardless, he was the No. 1 high school recruit his class and has the size and athleticism to become a standout two-way center.
G Tyrese Haliburton, Iowa State — One of my favorite players in the draft. Haliburton is polished as both a scorer and playmaker and has the size and length to be an impact defensive player as well.
F/C Onyeka Okongwu, USC — The big man version of Haliburton. Has few holes in his game and great upside as a finisher, defender and distributor. Both players could end up outplaying their draft position.
G Killian Hayes, Ulm — Young point guard with flashes as a passer and ball handler. Has shown some juice as an off-the-bounce shooter, though it’s not consistent yet. Has been training with former Piston Will Bynum.
F Obi Toppin, Dayton — The consensus National Player of the Year is a bouncy athlete and versatile scorer. His age (22) and inconsistent defense are downsides, but he’s one of the safer picks in the lottery due to his offensive production.
F Deni Avdija, Maccabi Tel Aviv — The Isreali-Serbian forward is an above-average passer and ball-handler for his size. His shooting is a question mark, though some evaluators have been encouraged by his recent play overseas.
G Cole Anthony, North Carolina — Once considered a potential No. 1 pick, injuries and a historically bad season for UNC negatively impacted his draft stock. His game has shades of Kemba Walker.
G/F Devin Vassell, Florida — Prototypical 3-and-D wing who made 41.7% of his 168 3-point attempts last season.
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