Detroit — The Pistons didn’t leave Chicago with the No. 1 pick in next month’s draft, but they surely left with more clarity on their options at Nos. 5 and 31 after a week of evaluating prospects at the NBA Draft Combine.
Lottery guarantees such as Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller and Amen and Ausar Thompson didn’t participate in the testing or scrimmage portion of the combine, but there were more than 70 prospects who tested, interviewed and competed to improve their draft stock.
Here are five takeaways from the combine that could be relevant to the Pistons come draft night on June 22.
Cam Whitmore’s bounce
Villanova forward Cam Whitmore showed off his athleticism during the first day of the combine in the vertical-leap drills. The 6-foot-6 wing registered a 40.5-inch vertical leap, which was tied for the third-highest among the players who participated. Whitmore is known for his explosiveness, and the Pistons could be in position to draft him if he’s available with the fifth pick. More athleticism and versatility is always a good thing and Whitmore would instantly become one of the most explosive players on the team next to Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, last year’s duo of lottery picks.
Jordan Walsh’s versatility
Anthony Black, a potential lottery pick, wasn’t the only Arkansas player to impress the scouts and executives in attendance for the combine last week. Razorbacks forward Jordan Walsh had a solid outing, despite going scoreless in his first scrimmage on Wednesday, with a performance of six rebounds and five assists without committing a turnover. The 6-foot-7 freshman forward saved his scoring prowess for his second scrimmage, as he totaled 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists on Thursday. Several mock drafts have Walsh slated as a late-second-round pick and after showing consistency in rebounding and assists, he could very well hear his name called on draft night.
Walker’s wingspan
Several national mock drafts have the Pistons selecting Houston forward Jarace Walker with the fifth overall pick. Known for his versatility, Walker showed off his length during the combine, when he recorded a 7-foot-2½-inch wingspan. He also has a 38-inch vertical. Walker’s size at 6-7 and 249 pounds would help him play either forward spot and some small-ball five. He didn’t participate in any of the scrimmages, but scouts were high on Walker’s ability to rebound and make plays on the defensive end during his time at Houston.
Casey helps evaluate talent
When former Pistons coach Dwane Casey announced his decision to transition into the front office, it was uncertain what role he would play alongside general manager Troy Weaver. Casey joined the Pistons’ brass in Chicago and he received a first-hand glimpse of his new reality during the combine. The veteran coach helped evaluate talent by using his vast experience around the game to help with scouting reports during the five-on-five scrimmages. While the Pistons are still searching for a new coach, their former leader seems to be adjusting well to his new role.
Pistons assistant gets opportunity on sidelines
Pistons assistant/player development coach Brandon Bailey served as head coach of Team Bailey. He led a roster that included Miami guard Isaiah Wong, Virginia guard Reece Beekman and Kentucky center Oscar Tshiebwe. Wong led Miami to the Final Four this season, while Tshiebwe had a strong outing at the combine. Bailey coached those notable prospects and also coached against other draft hopefuls, such as Eastern Michigan forward Emoni Bates, Syracuse guard Judah Mintz and Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner.
Bailey, a Chicago native, spent two years with the Boston Celtics as an assistant coach before he was hired by the Pistons last offseason. With a coaching search underway, it is currently unclear whether any of the previous coaches on Casey’s staff will be retained but Bailey’s experience coaching at the combine gives him a better sense of the prospects that could be taken with the Pistons’ second-round pick.
mcurtis@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @MikeACurtis2