2023 NBA Draft - 5th Pick - Detroit Pistons

[NYPiston]

Walker and Hendricks play the same conference so very similar comp. Walker just played on a much stronger team due to the quality of upperclassman on Houston

Walker played a tougher out of conference schedule mainly due to the cache Houston has. They played Alabama, Virginia, St. Mary's and Oregon compared to Missouri and Miami of the notable games. Then you had Walker in the NCAA tournament.

Just eyeballing the numbers, Walker was good against Virginia, ok against Alabama and Oregon and bad against St. Mary's while Hendricks was ok against Missouri and bad against Miami. Walker was up and down in the tournament.
Small sample size and different team roles so not much to really garner from those numbers but just something to note.

[NYPiston]

It’s close. I think all three prospects Whitmore, Jarace Walker, Taylor Hendricks have a shot at that forward position. I doubt Monty would trust any of them right away, but if I had to guess it would Jarace Walker.

Walker does everything a coach wants to be able to trust them on the floor right away. Not my favorite pick but the most NBA ready. Him and Stewart are so close, it would be a battle. Practice would be interesting.

It depends entirely on free agency and if they keep Bojan.
If they keep Bojan and don't do much in free agency at wing, I don't see how the rookie starts. It's Cade, Ivey, Bojan, Stewart, Duren
If they trade Bojan and sign a high priced wing, I don't see how the rookie starts. It's Cade, Ivey, FA, Stewart, Duren
If they trade Bojan and don't do much in FA (which I can't imagine happening with Monty aboard), that's the only path to the rookie starting.
In other words, the rookie isn't starting on Day 1 and if he is, that would mean that Weaver didn't do his job this offseason.

[FloridaMan78]

It’s close. I think all three prospects Whitmore, Jarace Walker, Taylor Hendricks have a shot at that forward position. I doubt Monty would trust any of them right away, but if I had to guess it would Jarace Walker.

Walker does everything a coach wants to be able to trust them on the floor right away. Not my favorite pick but the most NBA ready. Him and Stewart are so close, it would be a battle. Practice would be interesting.

It depends entirely on free agency and if they keep Bojan.
If they keep Bojan and don't do much in free agency at wing, I don't see how the rookie starts. It's Cade, Ivey, Bojan, Stewart, Duren
If they trade Bojan and sign a high priced wing, I don't see how the rookie starts. It's Cade, Ivey, FA, Stewart, Duren
If they trade Bojan and don't do much in FA (which I can't imagine happening with Monty aboard), that's the only path to the rookie starting.
In other words, the rookie isn't starting on Day 1 and if he is, that would mean that Weaver didn't do his job this offseason.

I’m not a Jarace Walker guy, I prefer Whitmore for the higher ceiling. But if Walker is legit, I think Stewart and him really battle it out for starting power forward. And I think Walker beats him out. Actually think Walker has a higher IQ and is a little bit quicker than Stewart.

[Pistonrings]

Hendricks would start at PF over Stew, at least in time.

[aad]

If Walker is the pick then Bagley is gone

[tmorgan]

“Bagley is gone” is a comforting thought, but how do we make that happen exactly? 2/25 for a known bonehead with injury issues isn’t free to move.

[The Moose]

https://theathletic.com/4613982/2023/06/16/pistons-nba-draft-rumors-2023/

While Detroit must react to the Rockets’ decision at No. 4, I’m hearing the Pistons will be strongly considering five prospects with their selection if they stay put at No. 5: Amen and Ausar Thompson (Overtime Elite), Cam Whitmore (Villanova), Jarace Walker (Houston) and Taylor Hendricks (Central Florida).

All five of those prospects have worked out with Detroit over the last two weeks, according to multiple league sources who agreed to provide background while not being authorized to speak publicly. Hendricks, in particular, impressed in front of Pistons executives and coaches, most notably with his shooting. The 6-foot-9 forward, has the potential to be an impactful 3-and-D wing for the Pistons immediately upon arriving in the Motor City, assuming he ends up being the pick. There’s room to grow into something more, too, if he can improve his ballhandling and decision-making. The 19-year-old forward with a 7-foot-1 wingspan can defend multiple positions, as well, due to his ability to slide his feet.

Ausar Thompson also has some big supporters in the Pistons’ front office, according to those league sources, and very well could be who Detroit takes in Thursday’s draft. The 20-year-old Ausar is more of a wing than his brother, but both are supreme athletes with good size. In his 2023 NBA Draft Guide, colleague Sam Vecenie wrote that Ausar Thompson reminds him most of Andre Iguodala. I couldn’t agree more. The potential Ausar Thompson has a secondary or tertiary creator for others really drives that home, as do his physical gifts, finishing ability and questionable jump shooting.

It’s not a given, though, that the Pistons will select at No. 5. “If it’s going to help us move forward, we’ll entertain anything,” general manager Troy Weaver said back in April. “We’re excited about this draft pool, but we’ll try to move the team forward any way we can.”

[Pharaoh]

https://theathletic.com/4613982/2023/06/16/pistons-nba-draft-rumors-2023/

While Detroit must react to the Rockets’ decision at No. 4, I’m hearing the Pistons will be strongly considering five prospects with their selection if they stay put at No. 5: Amen and Ausar Thompson (Overtime Elite), Cam Whitmore (Villanova), Jarace Walker (Houston) and Taylor Hendricks (Central Florida).

All five of those prospects have worked out with Detroit over the last two weeks, according to multiple league sources who agreed to provide background while not being authorized to speak publicly. Hendricks, in particular, impressed in front of Pistons executives and coaches, most notably with his shooting. The 6-foot-9 forward, has the potential to be an impactful 3-and-D wing for the Pistons immediately upon arriving in the Motor City, assuming he ends up being the pick. There’s room to grow into something more, too, if he can improve his ballhandling and decision-making. The 19-year-old forward with a 7-foot-1 wingspan can defend multiple positions, as well, due to his ability to slide his feet.

Ausar Thompson also has some big supporters in the Pistons’ front office, according to those league sources, and very well could be who Detroit takes in Thursday’s draft. The 20-year-old Ausar is more of a wing than his brother, but both are supreme athletes with good size. In his 2023 NBA Draft Guide, colleague Sam Vecenie wrote that Ausar Thompson reminds him most of Andre Iguodala. I couldn’t agree more. The potential Ausar Thompson has a secondary or tertiary creator for others really drives that home, as do his physical gifts, finishing ability and questionable jump shooting.

It’s not a given, though, that the Pistons will select at No. 5. “If it’s going to help us move forward, we’ll entertain anything,” general manager Troy Weaver said back in April. “We’re excited about this draft pool, but we’ll try to move the team forward any way we can.”

Appreciated!

No surprise on the 5 names given but that part on Hendricks gives me hope

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[The Moose]

https://theathletic.com/4613982/2023/06/16/pistons-nba-draft-rumors-2023/

While Detroit must react to the Rockets’ decision at No. 4, I’m hearing the Pistons will be strongly considering five prospects with their selection if they stay put at No. 5: Amen and Ausar Thompson (Overtime Elite), Cam Whitmore (Villanova), Jarace Walker (Houston) and Taylor Hendricks (Central Florida).

All five of those prospects have worked out with Detroit over the last two weeks, according to multiple league sources who agreed to provide background while not being authorized to speak publicly. Hendricks, in particular, impressed in front of Pistons executives and coaches, most notably with his shooting. The 6-foot-9 forward, has the potential to be an impactful 3-and-D wing for the Pistons immediately upon arriving in the Motor City, assuming he ends up being the pick. There’s room to grow into something more, too, if he can improve his ballhandling and decision-making. The 19-year-old forward with a 7-foot-1 wingspan can defend multiple positions, as well, due to his ability to slide his feet.

Ausar Thompson also has some big supporters in the Pistons’ front office, according to those league sources, and very well could be who Detroit takes in Thursday’s draft. The 20-year-old Ausar is more of a wing than his brother, but both are supreme athletes with good size. In his 2023 NBA Draft Guide, colleague Sam Vecenie wrote that Ausar Thompson reminds him most of Andre Iguodala. I couldn’t agree more. The potential Ausar Thompson has a secondary or tertiary creator for others really drives that home, as do his physical gifts, finishing ability and questionable jump shooting.

It’s not a given, though, that the Pistons will select at No. 5. “If it’s going to help us move forward, we’ll entertain anything,” general manager Troy Weaver said back in April. “We’re excited about this draft pool, but we’ll try to move the team forward any way we can.”

Appreciated!

No surprise on the 5 names given but that part on Hendricks gives me hope

Sent from my SM-G781B using RealGM Forums mobile app

I can't remember a draft being this open at 5, I have no idea which way they'll go, and I think they genuinely could go in 5 different ways, well 4 since once of these guys will be taken at pick 4

[Sort]

This does seem like the year Pistons may make a trade. If I'm the Pistons I'm listening to all offers because once you make your wish list, it seems highly likely it doesn't align with other teams, and there should be opportunity to pick up additional assets. I can't comment on any of these young men because of my ignorance, but I will say that I don't see Beef Stew as a starter for the Pistons. They need more talent, and his time with Duren just doesn't move the needle. I see him more of a supreme bench player or that that fifth starter on a top tier team.

I do think it would be a mistake to just draft for the home run swing. Pistons lost the lottery, so get over it. Hopefully we don't see stupid tanking and building a losing culture again.

[NYPiston]

This does seem like the year Pistons may make a trade. If I'm the Pistons I'm listening to all offers because once you make your wish list, it seems highly likely it doesn't align with other teams, and there should be opportunity to pick up additional assets. I can't comment on any of these young men because of my ignorance, but I will say that I don't see Beef Stew as a starter for the Pistons. They need more talent, and his time with Duren just doesn't move the needle. I see him more of a supreme bench player or that that fifth starter on a top tier team.

I do think it would be a mistake to just draft for the home run swing. Pistons lost the lottery, so get over it. Hopefully we don't see stupid tanking and building a losing culture again.

Weaver has made a significant trade all three drafts so I'd be surprised if a trade wasn't made, it's where he does most of his work. The one thing he hasn't done is trade their 1st pick, he usually adds picks.

[Kalamazoo317]

https://theathletic.com/4613982/2023/06/16/pistons-nba-draft-rumors-2023/

Appreciated!

No surprise on the 5 names given but that part on Hendricks gives me hope

Sent from my SM-G781B using RealGM Forums mobile app

I can't remember a draft being this open at 5, I have no idea which way they'll go, and I think they genuinely could go in 5 different ways, well 4 since once of these guys will be taken at pick 4

Actually feels pretty similar to last year to me. Last year there was a pretty consensus top three (just didn't know who number one would be, unlike this year) and then we were wondering who four would be and considering a few options at five (Ivey, Math, Murray, Sharpe, etc.).

[The Moose]

Appreciated!

No surprise on the 5 names given but that part on Hendricks gives me hope

Sent from my SM-G781B using RealGM Forums mobile app

I can't remember a draft being this open at 5, I have no idea which way they'll go, and I think they genuinely could go in 5 different ways, well 4 since once of these guys will be taken at pick 4

Actually feels pretty similar to last year to me. Last year there was a pretty consensus top three (just didn't know who number one would be, unlike this year) and then we were wondering who four would be and considering a few options at five (Ivey, Math, Murray, Sharpe, etc.).

For me I felt pretty certain it would be Ivey or Murray, whoever the Kings didn't take

[zeebneeb]

If the Pistons keep the pick, and thats a big if, im all aboard the Hendricks train.


Looks like another JJJ in the making. Shot blocking three point shooting 4? Uh, next to Duren that would be disgusting. Imagine going into the lane with those two roaming the paint.

Good luck with that.

Watch on YouTube

[joeposh]

Appreciated!

No surprise on the 5 names given but that part on Hendricks gives me hope

Sent from my SM-G781B using RealGM Forums mobile app

I can't remember a draft being this open at 5, I have no idea which way they'll go, and I think they genuinely could go in 5 different ways, well 4 since once of these guys will be taken at pick 4

Actually feels pretty similar to last year to me. Last year there was a pretty consensus top three (just didn't know who number one would be, unlike this year) and then we were wondering who four would be and considering a few options at five (Ivey, Math, Murray, Sharpe, etc.).

I think last year's draft has turned out to be pretty even after 3, but that wasn't the expectation going into it. Murray and Ben Math had the biggest increase in value during the lead up to the draft, but it was clear that all the tier 1 through 2 guys would be gone after 5.

Tier 1: Smith, Chet, Banchero
Tier 1.5: Ivery
Tier 2: Murray
Tier 3: Mathurin, Sharpe

[ducler]

Hope we don't take Whitmore or Walker ahead of Hendricks. Actually I'd even try to buy another top 10 pick to draft Ausar of he falls, maybe Coulibaly in his place if he doesn't.

Duren/Hendricks/Ausar, that's a great defensive frontcourt IMO

[edmunder_prc]

I can't remember a draft being this open at 5, I have no idea which way they'll go, and I think they genuinely could go in 5 different ways, well 4 since once of these guys will be taken at pick 4

Actually feels pretty similar to last year to me. Last year there was a pretty consensus top three (just didn't know who number one would be, unlike this year) and then we were wondering who four would be and considering a few options at five (Ivey, Math, Murray, Sharpe, etc.).

I think last year's draft has turned out to be pretty even after 3, but that wasn't the expectation going into it. Murray and Ben Math had the biggest increase in value during the lead up to the draft, but it was clear that all the tier 1 through 2 guys would be gone after 5.

Tier 1: Smith, Chet, Banchero
Tier 1.5: Ivery
Tier 2: Murray
Tier 3: Mathurin, Sharpe

Sharpe could be tier 1. He has a ton of talent and his athleticism is tier 1 for sure, above Ivey which is saying something. Like Westbrook.

I really dont like Ivey as a player because he isnt a true SG, but he isnt a PG. Really his only way to fulfill his tier 1 type talent would be on a team that tries to make him into a PG and give him 3 years like we did with Hayes, because Ivey is a million times more talented than Hayes. Too bad Cade will have the ball a lot.

[Pharaoh]

Actually feels pretty similar to last year to me. Last year there was a pretty consensus top three (just didn't know who number one would be, unlike this year) and then we were wondering who four would be and considering a few options at five (Ivey, Math, Murray, Sharpe, etc.).

I think last year's draft has turned out to be pretty even after 3, but that wasn't the expectation going into it. Murray and Ben Math had the biggest increase in value during the lead up to the draft, but it was clear that all the tier 1 through 2 guys would be gone after 5.

Tier 1: Smith, Chet, Banchero
Tier 1.5: Ivery
Tier 2: Murray
Tier 3: Mathurin, Sharpe

Sharpe could be tier 1. He has a ton of talent and his athleticism is tier 1 for sure, above Ivey which is saying something. Like Westbrook.

I really dont like Ivey as a player because he isnt a true SG, but he isnt a PG. Really his only way to fulfill his tier 1 type talent would be on a team that tries to make him into a PG and give him 3 years like we did with Hayes, because Ivey is a million times more talented than Hayes. Too bad Cade will have the ball a lot.

Depending on the system Monty puts in there is a world where Ivey gets plenty of time on the ball.

I don't believe the heliocentric stuff works, especially in the playoffs and ultimately that's the end game:

Build a team that can actually compete in the playoffs.

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