| Detroit Free Press
Detroit Pistons’ Troy Weaver on NBA draft: ‘Everything’s on the table’
Detroit Pistons general manager Troy Weaver addressed the media on Nov. 5, 2020 and said the Pistons could move up or down in the draft.
The time is nearly here for Detroit Pistons general manager Troy Weaver to put his first stamp on the roster.
With six days to go before the 2020 NBA draft on Wednesday, it’s time to peruse the web for mock drafts delivered over the past week.
Here’s who draftniks have the Pistons selecting with the seventh pick in the draft (check back this weekend on freep.com for our newest mock and deep dive on the Pistons’ pick):
DRAFT: Pistons’ growing workout list gives insight into priorities
CLUES: How might Troy Weaver approach NBA draft? Here is what we know
USA TODAY: Isaac Okoro, F, Auburn
“The wing has athleticism and a wingspan that could make him an elite defender at the next level, shutting down opposing perimeter forces. His offense is another story and needs work. He’d have time to develop in Detroit.”
ESPN: Obi Toppin, F, Dayton
Mike Schmitz: “The most NBA-ready prospect in the draft, Toppin would give the Pistons a much-needed jolt of excitement as a rim runner, lob-catcher and floor spacer under Dwane Casey. Toppin is on a different trajectory than your typical 22-year-old and brings a personality that would immediately energize the Detroit faithful.
“The human pogo stick figures to work defenses in the pick-and-roll as he spaces the floor vertically as a lob threat. Toppin can pick and pop, and he is an excellent passer in 4-on-3 situations, making him a great offensive fit at either big spot on offense.”
CBS: Isaac Okoro
Gary Parrish: “Isaac Okoro is an elite defender who impacts winning in a variety of ways. If he develops offensively, the potential for stardom exists.”
[ NBA draft candidates the Pistons have interviewed and worked out ]
The Athletic: Patrick Williams, F, Florida State
John Hollinger: “The hottest draft rumor is that Williams has a promise from the Pistons, or at the very least that they’re extremely interested in him. Killian Hayes is the other name I’ve heard here, but at a much, much lower volume.
“A Williams pick would track with everything we know about their front office. A year ago they took the youngest player in the draft, a long forward from France named Sekou Doumbouya. Williams is the youngest collegian in this year’s draft.
“Secondly, the Pistons seemingly had interest in Williams even before Troy Weaver became the GM. And then, as the capper, look at Weaver’s history in Oklahoma City: It’s one raw, long-limbed, combo forward after another. Williams could not fit more perfectly into that profile.
“One thing to watch here: Could Detroit do a trade with Washington to move from 7 to 9, which would still get them Williams in all likelihood, but also brings in another asset? (From Washington’s perspective, this assures them of Onyeka Okongwu.) Weaver’s Oklahoma City team did a similar move a year ago, moving back two spots just before selecting Darius Bazley. If the Pistons are okay with Hayes as a Plan B, I could easily see this.”
The Ringer: Tyrese Haliburton, G, Iowa State
Kevin O’Connor: “The Pistons have interest in playmakers in this year’s class, according to multiple league sources, and they’ll have plenty of choices. Haliburton has been tied to Detroit, and he’d bring a veteran-style presence to the team.”
Bleacher Report: Isaac Okoro (trade to No. 10 with Phoenix)
Zach Buckley: “The Pistons are in the early asset-accumulation stage of their rebuild, so they’d do well to add a future first-rounder while collecting a top-shelf prospect.
“Isaac Okoro might be the early favorite to emerge as this draft’s top defender. He can silence scorers on the ball and disrupt actions away from it. He’s more of a mixed bag on offense—his jumper needs serious work—but he can finish at the basket and provide secondary playmaking.
“He offers both safety and upside. For a Pistons team needing keepers and hope for the future, that would be a tough package to ignore.”
Aran Smith: “If you’re talking about sheer upside and raw potential, there aren’t many prospects in this draft with more than Williams. He’s got some Kawhi Leonard to his skill set and physical make up, but still has a long ways to go. Can he learn to play every possession like it’s his last, similar to Leonard, is the question. A good landing spot would be beneficial for Williams, who has the reputation for being too nice of a kid, and in need of more sense of urgency on the court. There is buzz out there among scouts that the Pistons ‘won’t let Williams get past their pick.’ ”