Pistons Draft Day Dealing

[eitanr]

Detroit has the option in this draft to move down as there is a likelihood at least one of Buzelis or Clingan will be around at 5 and are already generating interest from other lotto and first round teams.

If Detroit wants to move down or move the pick altogether leading up to draft night here are some original scenarios:

1. Memphis

The Grizzlies are rumored to be most interested in Clingan. They moved Adams last year and now have a gap at the 5, especially if they let Santi walk in FA and want to play JJJ at the 4 instead.

A. Can Detroit go for Bane?
Ivey + 5th pick for Desmond Bane

Why for Memphis: I know I know, Grizzlies fans will initially scoff at such a deal. Are you kidding?! Desmond Bane on the move? Hear me out.
-Bane is due $34M/yr over the next 5 years
-Vince Williams/Kennard/Konchar were stellar as wings last year
-They can also groom Ivey under Morant stylistically and get the 5 they crave. Save cap and get talents you like.

Why for Detroit: They need to absorb a lot of cap but net the talent that can at least fit next to Cade and Ausar long term.

B. Pistons go for G Grade?
Memphis trades: GG Jackson and 9th pick for 5th pick

Why for Memphis: Grizz get their 5 and don't really have a spot for GG in their rotation with everyone coming back. GG is a talent but needs a further look and some more consistent minutes and usage, would he get that on a healthy Grizzlies team?

Why for Detroit: GG Jackson shown some nice flashes in Memphis and could be the future spacing 4 Detroit needs. GG is 19 and shot 36% on 3 with a 50% 3-point attempt rate. He is still somewhat raw, but could be worth the gamble for Detroit. That type of talent does not exist in the lotto, so Detroit snags him and still can use 9 on a bevvy of options, including better PG talent in Devin Carter who can play alongside Cade and Ausar as well.

C. Get Multiple picks for 5
Portland trades 14th pick, 7th pick for 5th pick

Why for Portland: Portland could really like Buzelis here who should fit better with their long term planning around Scoot and Sharpe.

Why for Detroit: Devin Carter may make more sense at 7. He is a hard nosed combo guard that feels like a better fit alongside Cade. At 14, the team can go for another shooter (Walter), backup 5 (Missi) or a 4/5 project in DaRon Holmes.

D. Build the warchest with OKC
-OKC Trades 12th pick, 2025 HOU or LAC 1st, 2025 PHI 1st, 2027 DEN 1st FOR 5th pick

Why for OKC: Clingan might be unreal in OKC. They would add much needed big man depth to a win-now team.

Why for Detroit: If the prospect Trajan likes is at 12 (e.g. DET did work out Walter, I like Carter), the move has some merit. Langdon builds up a pick war chest in Detroit, helps build up the roster through free agency instead and can use those picks during future seasons for timely deals. He would go into 2025 with 3 first rounders, which is suppose to be a better draft.

E. Get young win-now help
-POR Trades A. Simons, 14th pick FOR J. Ivey, 5th pick

Why for Portland: Blazers can double down on future needs with Buzelis and Cody Williams potentially at 5 and 7. Ivey is a young talent that replaces some of the elements Simons brought in.

Why for Detroit: Pistons do absorb some cap here, but get a nice young sure thing guard complement to Cade. Holmes or MIssi could make sense here at 14.

F. Get the backup 5 you need and only move down some spots
-POR Trades R. Williams, 7th pick FOR TBJ, 5th pick

Why for Portand: Makes most sense if Buzelis is their guy. RW3 was underwhelming in Portland.

Why for Detroit: Knecht could make more sense here for Detroit, a sure fire second coming of Wally Szcerbiak. RW3 is worthy of a more legit chance to own the backup 5 role in Detroit.

G. Getting Jazzy with a former lotto
-UTA trades T. Hendricks and 10th pick for 5th pick

Why for Detroit: Similar to the GG idea, Detroit finds the right PF in last year's draft, but this year. Hendricks is a future 3 and D spacing 4. Again, they may want a shooter anyhow at 10 like Knecht, Carter or Walter.

Why for Utah: Buzelis has Ainge archetype written all over him. Ainge doubles down on what he believes is the better prospect.

H. A bit spicier of a Jazz proposition
-UTA trades K. George, 10th pick FOR J. Ivey, 5th pick

Why for Detroit: Pistons get the better lead guard in George, one who fits more smoothly with Cade. Again, they can nail down a shooter or backup center at 10.

Why for Utah: It depends on Ainge's feelings for Buzelis, but he may like him more than George himself and still has Sexton and nets Ivey who has untapped upside.

I. Let's keeping tuning this Jazz idea
-UTA trades W. Kessler, 10th pick for 5th pick

Why for Detroit: Kessler would start right away and provide a much needed rim protection and rebounding to a team missing both.

Why for Utah: Jazz have seemingly fallen out of love with Kessler as they do have other young bigs seeking minuts and would need more if they landed Buzelis.

J. Could Detroit Trey-in Murphy from Pels?
-NOP trades T. Murphy, 21st pick FOR J. Ivey, 5th pick

Why for NOP: While all the rumors for New Orleans is surrounding moving Ingram and/or CJ, this idea allows them to go the other way. They now don't have to extend Trey and instead afford their current roster and add two real interesting young talents in Ivey and a 5th pick, likely Clingan. Clingan is needed in New Orleans, a team currently void of centers.

Why for DET: Murphy may end up costing a pretty penny, but Langdon knows him well and he's worth it. Murphy can fit in right away as a small ball 4 next to Thompson and Duren at the 3 and 5. He provides extreme spacing to a team desperate for it. Without Ivey, Dillingham ends up a nice gamble for Detroit at 21.

K. The Pistons need a Herro
-MIA trades T. Herro, 15th pick FOR J. Ivey, 5th pick

Why for MIA: Heat unload some decent cap here which allows them to give in to Butler's demands. Ivey can be resurrected in Miami and the 5th pick could be used on Buzelis or more big depth with Clingan.

Why for DET: Herro is a real interesting fit next to Cade. He gives Detroit a bonafide additional perimeter talent opposing teams need to scout for. Pistons can add more big depth at 14 (Holmes).

Which would you consider?

[JRoy]

Detroit has the option in this draft to move down as there is a likelihood at least one of Buzelis or Clingan will be around at 5 and are already generating interest from other lotto and first round teams.

If Detroit wants to move down or move the pick altogether leading up to draft night here are some original scenarios:

1. Memphis

The Grizzlies are rumored to be most interested in Clingan. They moved Adams last year and now have a gap at the 5, especially if they let Santi walk in FA and want to play JJJ at the 4 instead.

A. Can Detroit go for Bane?
Ivey + 5th pick for Desmond Bane

Why for Memphis: I know I know, Grizzlies fans will initially scoff at such a deal. Are you kidding?! Desmond Bane on the move? Hear me out.
-Bane is due $34M/yr over the next 5 years
-Vince Williams/Kennard/Konchar were stellar as wings last year
-They can also groom Ivey under Morant stylistically and get the 5 they crave. Save cap and get talents you like.

Why for Detroit: They need to absorb a lot of cap but net the talent that can at least fit next to Cade and Ausar long term.

B. Pistons go for G Grade?
Memphis trades: GG Jackson and 9th pick for 5th pick

Why for Memphis: Grizz get their 5 and don't really have a spot for GG in their rotation with everyone coming back. GG is a talent but needs a further look and some more consistent minutes and usage, would he get that on a healthy Grizzlies team?

Why for Detroit: GG Jackson shown some nice flashes in Memphis and could be the future spacing 4 Detroit needs. GG is 19 and shot 36% on 3 with a 50% 3-point attempt rate. He is still somewhat raw, but could be worth the gamble for Detroit. That type of talent does not exist in the lotto, so Detroit snags him and still can use 9 on a bevvy of options, including better PG talent in Devin Carter who can play alongside Cade and Ausar as well.

C. Get Multiple picks for 5
Portland trades 14th pick, 7th pick for 5th pick

Why for Portland: Portland could really like Buzelis here who should fit better with their long term planning around Scoot and Sharpe.

Why for Detroit: Devin Carter may make more sense at 7. He is a hard nosed combo guard that feels like a better fit alongside Cade. At 14, the team can go for another shooter (Walter), backup 5 (Missi) or a 4/5 project in DaRon Holmes.

D. Build the warchest with OKC
-OKC Trades 12th pick, 2025 HOU or LAC 1st, 2025 PHI 1st, 2027 DEN 1st FOR 5th pick

Why for OKC: Clingan might be unreal in OKC. They would add much needed big man depth to a win-now team.

Why for Detroit: If the prospect Trajan likes is at 12 (e.g. DET did work out Walter, I like Carter), the move has some merit. Langdon builds up a pick war chest in Detroit, helps build up the roster through free agency instead and can use those picks during future seasons for timely deals. He would go into 2025 with 3 first rounders, which is suppose to be a better draft.

E. Get young win-now help
-POR Trades A. Simons, 14th pick FOR J. Ivey, 5th pick

Why for Portland: Blazers can double down on future needs with Buzelis and Cody Williams potentially at 5 and 7. Ivey is a young talent that replaces some of the elements Simons brought in.

Why for Detroit: Pistons do absorb some cap here, but get a nice young sure thing guard complement to Cade. Holmes or MIssi could make sense here at 14.

F. Get the backup 5 you need and only move down some spots
-POR Trades R. Williams, 7th pick FOR TBJ, 5th pick

Why for Portand: Makes most sense if Buzelis is their guy. RW3 was underwhelming in Portland.

Why for Detroit: Knecht could make more sense here for Detroit, a sure fire second coming of Wally Szcerbiak. RW3 is worthy of a more legit chance to own the backup 5 role in Detroit.

G. Getting Jazzy with a former lotto
-UTA trades T. Hendricks and 10th pick for 5th pick

Why for Detroit: Similar to the GG idea, Detroit finds the right PF in last year's draft, but this year. Hendricks is a future 3 and D spacing 4. Again, they may want a shooter anyhow at 10 like Knecht, Carter or Walter.

Why for Utah: Buzelis has Ainge archetype written all over him. Ainge doubles down on what he believes is the better prospect.

H. A bit spicier of a Jazz proposition
-UTA trades K. George, 10th pick FOR J. Ivey, 5th pick

Why for Detroit: Pistons get the better lead guard in George, one who fits more smoothly with Cade. Again, they can nail down a shooter or backup center at 10.

Why for Utah: It depends on Ainge's feelings for Buzelis, but he may like him more than George himself and still has Sexton and nets Ivey who has untapped upside.

I. Let's keeping tuning this Jazz idea
-UTA trades W. Kessler, 10th pick for 5th pick

Why for Detroit: Kessler would start right away and provide a much needed rim protection and rebounding to a team missing both.

Why for Utah: Jazz have seemingly fallen out of love with Kessler as they do have other young bigs seeking minuts and would need more if they landed Buzelis.

J. Could Detroit Trey-in Murphy from Pels?
-NOP trades T. Murphy, 21st pick FOR J. Ivey, 5th pick

Why for NOP: While all the rumors for New Orleans is surrounding moving Ingram and/or CJ, this idea allows them to go the other way. They now don't have to extend Trey and instead afford their current roster and add two real interesting young talents in Ivey and a 5th pick, likely Clingan. Clingan is needed in New Orleans, a team currently void of centers.

Why for DET: Murphy may end up costing a pretty penny, but Langdon knows him well and he's worth it. Murphy can fit in right away as a small ball 4 next to Thompson and Duren at the 3 and 5. He provides extreme spacing to a team desperate for it. Without Ivey, Dillingham ends up a nice gamble for Detroit at 21.

K. The Pistons need a Herro
-MIA trades T. Herro, 15th pick FOR J. Ivey, 5th pick

Why for MIA: Heat unload some decent cap here which allows them to give in to Butler's demands. Ivey can be resurrected in Miami and the 5th pick could be used on Buzelis or more big depth with Clingan.

Why for DET: Herro is a real interesting fit next to Cade. He gives Detroit a bonafide additional perimeter talent opposing teams need to scout for. Pistons can add more big depth at 14 (Holmes).

Which would you consider?

Don’t like the POR deals.

I don’t like Buzelis or Williams but the FO might.

[Snakebites]

Hmm. I’d do most of these which means they’re probably too good.

I don’t have particular interest in Anfernee Simons or Robert Williams, so I don’t think I’d do those two. Simons for defensive fit reasons, Williams for injury reasons.

Is Herro’s value that positive on that deal? Thats the only other one I’d question. Seems a bit rich given we’re bailing them out of a rough cap situation.

[SkyHook]

I'd be all over 'H' for Utah. Uninterested in the other two.

[HornetJail]

Not a conventional trade at all, but would Washington swap picks with DET to dump Poole? would the trade up be worth having to eat Poole?

#2, Poole for #5

Detroit gets a top target. Is Risacher a fit? Does Jordan Poole returning to Michigan help anything?
Washington dumps a failed experiment and gets a still pretty high selection.

Spoiler:

my personal opinion is that it takes more to dump Poole than moving down 3 spots in a draft that seems pretty flat from 2 to like 7 or 8

[vege]

Detroit has the option in this draft to move down as there is a likelihood at least one of Buzelis or Clingan will be around at 5 and are already generating interest from other lotto and first round teams.

If Detroit wants to move down or move the pick altogether leading up to draft night here are some original scenarios:

1. Memphis

The Grizzlies are rumored to be most interested in Clingan. They moved Adams last year and now have a gap at the 5, especially if they let Santi walk in FA and want to play JJJ at the 4 instead.

A. Can Detroit go for Bane?
Ivey + 5th pick for Desmond Bane

Why for Memphis: I know I know, Grizzlies fans will initially scoff at such a deal. Are you kidding?! Desmond Bane on the move? Hear me out.
-Bane is due $34M/yr over the next 5 years
-Vince Williams/Kennard/Konchar were stellar as wings last year
-They can also groom Ivey under Morant stylistically and get the 5 they crave. Save cap and get talents you like.

Why for Detroit: They need to absorb a lot of cap but net the talent that can at least fit next to Cade and Ausar long term.

B. Pistons go for G Grade?
Memphis trades: GG Jackson and 9th pick for 5th pick

Why for Memphis: Grizz get their 5 and don't really have a spot for GG in their rotation with everyone coming back. GG is a talent but needs a further look and some more consistent minutes and usage, would he get that on a healthy Grizzlies team?

Why for Detroit: GG Jackson shown some nice flashes in Memphis and could be the future spacing 4 Detroit needs. GG is 19 and shot 36% on 3 with a 50% 3-point attempt rate. He is still somewhat raw, but could be worth the gamble for Detroit. That type of talent does not exist in the lotto, so Detroit snags him and still can use 9 on a bevvy of options, including better PG talent in Devin Carter who can play alongside Cade and Ausar as well.

C. Get Multiple picks for 5
Portland trades 14th pick, 7th pick for 5th pick

Why for Portland: Portland could really like Buzelis here who should fit better with their long term planning around Scoot and Sharpe.

Why for Detroit: Devin Carter may make more sense at 7. He is a hard nosed combo guard that feels like a better fit alongside Cade. At 14, the team can go for another shooter (Walter), backup 5 (Missi) or a 4/5 project in DaRon Holmes.

D. Build the warchest with OKC
-OKC Trades 12th pick, 2025 HOU or LAC 1st, 2025 PHI 1st, 2027 DEN 1st FOR 5th pick

Why for OKC: Clingan might be unreal in OKC. They would add much needed big man depth to a win-now team.

Why for Detroit: If the prospect Trajan likes is at 12 (e.g. DET did work out Walter, I like Carter), the move has some merit. Langdon builds up a pick war chest in Detroit, helps build up the roster through free agency instead and can use those picks during future seasons for timely deals. He would go into 2025 with 3 first rounders, which is suppose to be a better draft.

E. Get young win-now help
-POR Trades A. Simons, 14th pick FOR J. Ivey, 5th pick

Why for Portland: Blazers can double down on future needs with Buzelis and Cody Williams potentially at 5 and 7. Ivey is a young talent that replaces some of the elements Simons brought in.

Why for Detroit: Pistons do absorb some cap here, but get a nice young sure thing guard complement to Cade. Holmes or MIssi could make sense here at 14.

F. Get the backup 5 you need and only move down some spots
-POR Trades R. Williams, 7th pick FOR TBJ, 5th pick

Why for Portand: Makes most sense if Buzelis is their guy. RW3 was underwhelming in Portland.

Why for Detroit: Knecht could make more sense here for Detroit, a sure fire second coming of Wally Szcerbiak. RW3 is worthy of a more legit chance to own the backup 5 role in Detroit.

G. Getting Jazzy with a former lotto
-UTA trades T. Hendricks and 10th pick for 5th pick

Why for Detroit: Similar to the GG idea, Detroit finds the right PF in last year's draft, but this year. Hendricks is a future 3 and D spacing 4. Again, they may want a shooter anyhow at 10 like Knecht, Carter or Walter.

Why for Utah: Buzelis has Ainge archetype written all over him. Ainge doubles down on what he believes is the better prospect.

H. A bit spicier of a Jazz proposition
-UTA trades K. George, 10th pick FOR J. Ivey, 5th pick

Why for Detroit: Pistons get the better lead guard in George, one who fits more smoothly with Cade. Again, they can nail down a shooter or backup center at 10.

Why for Utah: It depends on Ainge's feelings for Buzelis, but he may like him more than George himself and still has Sexton and nets Ivey who has untapped upside.

I. Let's keeping tuning this Jazz idea
-UTA trades W. Kessler, 10th pick for 5th pick

Why for Detroit: Kessler would start right away and provide a much needed rim protection and rebounding to a team missing both.

Why for Utah: Jazz have seemingly fallen out of love with Kessler as they do have other young bigs seeking minuts and would need more if they landed Buzelis.

J. Could Detroit Trey-in Murphy from Pels?
-NOP trades T. Murphy, 21st pick FOR J. Ivey, 5th pick

Why for NOP: While all the rumors for New Orleans is surrounding moving Ingram and/or CJ, this idea allows them to go the other way. They now don't have to extend Trey and instead afford their current roster and add two real interesting young talents in Ivey and a 5th pick, likely Clingan. Clingan is needed in New Orleans, a team currently void of centers.

Why for DET: Murphy may end up costing a pretty penny, but Langdon knows him well and he's worth it. Murphy can fit in right away as a small ball 4 next to Thompson and Duren at the 3 and 5. He provides extreme spacing to a team desperate for it. Without Ivey, Dillingham ends up a nice gamble for Detroit at 21.

K. The Pistons need a Herro
-MIA trades T. Herro, 15th pick FOR J. Ivey, 5th pick

Why for MIA: Heat unload some decent cap here which allows them to give in to Butler's demands. Ivey can be resurrected in Miami and the 5th pick could be used on Buzelis or more big depth with Clingan.

Why for DET: Herro is a real interesting fit next to Cade. He gives Detroit a bonafide additional perimeter talent opposing teams need to scout for. Pistons can add more big depth at 14 (Holmes).

Which would you consider?

TBJr is not under contract.

J would probably be Duren instead of Ivey for Murphy

No instest in guys like Simons or Herro.

Even tho it's a lot of picks the OKC deal is very likely a lot of very late 1sts so I would pass.

Bane should be worth a lot more than that. I'd add more assets to #5 and Ivey to get him. I'd add Duren or a 1st, maybe even both. He is that good.

Detroit would probably need to add value to GG Jackson and #9 for #5 and #7 and #14 for #5

I'd do Ivey for Hendricks probably, not #5 for him and #10

I don't like Kessler fit, so I'd pass.

I love Time Lord, but I'd pass because of his injuries and I don't want to see Stewart at the 4 so we have Duren and Stew at center alread.

[LaSheed]

Would Utah do H? Jeez I'd be all over that one.

[Catchall]

The Jazz aren't going to trade Keyonte or Taylor Hendricks to move up 5 spots in this draft. They might offer Kessler, Collins or Clarkson, along with 10 and maybe 29. As it stands, Ron Holland is expected to be available at 10, plus at least one of Knecht, Carter or Salaun. If the Jazz trade up, I don't think the target is Buzelis. I think they'd want Sheppard, Castle or Williams.

Memphis isn't going to give Detroit Bane or GG Jackson, imo. NOLA isn't going to give you Murphy either.

[babyjax13]

I wouldn't mind 10 and Kessler for 5.

[Catchall]

If Detroit walked out with Clarkson, Knecht and Tyler Smith, I think that would be solid value for #5 in this draft. Detroit needs some shooters and scorers. Personally, I'm not sold on Buzelis.

[babyjax13]

If Detroit walked out with Clarkson, Knecht and Tyler Smith, I think that would be solid value for #5 in this draft. Personally, I'm not sold on Buzelis.

I don't understand how Clarkson is adding value to a 15 win team. He's almost to the end of his career.

[Catchall]

If Detroit walked out with Clarkson, Knecht and Tyler Smith, I think that would be solid value for #5 in this draft. Personally, I'm not sold on Buzelis.

I don't understand how Clarkson is adding value to a 15 win team. He's almost to the end of his career.

He's an 18 ppg scorer with self-creation, something Detroit lacks.

[babyjax13]

If Detroit walked out with Clarkson, Knecht and Tyler Smith, I think that would be solid value for #5 in this draft. Personally, I'm not sold on Buzelis.

I don't understand how Clarkson is adding value to a 15 win team. He's almost to the end of his career.

He's an 18 ppg scorer with self-creation, something Detroit lacks.

They can sign someone younger to do that and keep the 5th pick. Clarkson isn't adding value to a terrible team reseting from a failed rebuild. If Detroit wanted to trade a 2nd or 2 for him I'd understand, but not moving down from 5 to 10.

[QMemphis]

Please don’t call the Grizz these trades are terrible valuations. GG Jackson would be a top 3 pick in this draft and is probably still younger than 75% of the class. Safe to say we are not trading GG for anything Detroit has to offer let alone adding #9 to go with him. What would we trade our Core Piece in Bane for a guy struggling to figure out if he is a starter or 6th man and a pick to draft a center of all things. Your trades are highly unrealistic because though you put thought into crafting them you paid little regard in the logic for why many of the teams would even entertain the offers.

[LaSheed]

I wouldn't mind 10 and Kessler for 5.

This is kind of tempting for me. As Clingan is one of the guys I'd like if we stay at 5 (if he's there)

Kessler skill set is awful similar to Clingan or am I way off here?

[babyjax13]

I wouldn't mind 10 and Kessler for 5.

This is kind of tempting for me. As Clingan is one of the guys I'd like if we stay at 5 (if he's there)

Kessler skill set is awful similar to Clingan or am I way off here?

Clingan is a better passer by a pretty large margin, but his stamina might not be that good. Otherwise, yah. Clingan reminds me a bit of Poeltl and Kaman.

[LaSheed]

I wouldn't mind 10 and Kessler for 5.

This is kind of tempting for me. As Clingan is one of the guys I'd like if we stay at 5 (if he's there)

Kessler skill set is awful similar to Clingan or am I way off here?

Clingan is a better passer by a pretty large margin, but his stamina might not be that good. Otherwise, yah. Clingan reminds me a bit of Poeltl and Kaman.

Well I'm kind of over building teams against current trends. (Spacing 5, 3&D wings) But I wouldn't hate it if the deal were done. Obviously we'd probably move Stewart.

[JennetteMcCurdy]

Great post OP!

The winner is…… D - build the war chest. Pistons could still get a shooter like Kinect or McCain with the twelfth pick, and load up for 2025. Heck, they could also trade the twelfth pick down and pick up more 2025 picks! Total win!

[Whole Truth]

If Clingan is there at 5, I think NO's could work a Charlotte 1 spot trade down for value.

If Hawks want Clingan & NO's have interest to trade up, Detroit can get value from both Charlotte & NO's for the 1 spot drop.

BI to Charlotte for Bridges, #6

Bridges, #6, #21 to Detroit for 5, Stewart, cap space.

#5 Clingan, NO's FRP to Hawks for #1 Sarr

[eitanr]

Thanks for all feedback.

A few points of clarifications regarding the main teams involved here to add more color on the logic.

1. Memphis

The Grizzlies will go into next season with a front court of JJJ/Clarke/Laravia/GG and potentially Aldami. They seem very interested at 5 IF Clingan is there. The Memphis deals are predicted on Clingan being there.

If they get Clingan, they have a front court minutes crunch. They also need to consider proper fits for proper roles.

GG is an Uber talent, but doesn’t really fit as a starting 4 if they are healthy with Morant, Bane and JJJ - 3 guys that need more usage than him. He also doesn’t really fit as a role back up 4 as Clarke, Laravia do. So GG is kind of in no man’s land developmentally on this roster. He reminds me of Obi on the Knicks.

Like Knicks Obi, GG needs a situation where he can continue his growth with usage and min. The Pistons can grant him that. For Memphis, they are better now post deal. They add the right fitting talent in Clingan.

The Bane idea was a value gauger, and understand
hesitations of course.

2. Portland

Blazers seem to want to double down on a rebuild. Moving Simons means more usage elsewhere, including Scoot, Sharpe and incoming rookie. Buzelis or Cody Williams should be their targets. Also for those in advance saying they’d just move Grant - don’t think that’s so simple with his contract.

Simons should be their odd man out. He doesn’t really fit with Scoot and Sharpe - too much perimeter high usage low effecient talents I need to develop. They don’t all complement each other. So, for Portland, it’s about getting the right fitting high potential guys who will be there at 5 to complement their young core.

For Pistons fans, adding Simons is obviously not super ideal ideal perhaps. BUT he can fit with Cade and Ausar. Detroit needs better half court creation and someone who can play off Cade at times as well. Offensively, Simons is kinda perfect in that role. Defensively, there are concerns but the goal is Thompson emerges elite in that role and at least alleviates some concerns there. Can’t build Rome in a day.

As for RG3, yes the injuries are a risk, but I do see Detroit’s other need as quality center depth. Duren was also an injury concern - the hope is both Duren/RG3 give you some Frankenstein center that’s similar to what Dallas has done defensively and shifted their team on that end.

3. New Orleans

More of a wild card here but they are in a unique scenario. Ingram isn’t pulling the type of value they likely expected. Also it doesn’t make sense to retain both Murphy and Ingram at their current figures. Would New Orleans really move Ingram if his value has dipped? Or do they try and make it work with both he and Zion hopefully healthy at once and add the center they need in Clingan? Again, like Memphis, New Orleans deals only make sense if it’s Clingan at 5.

For cap concerns the Pels idea may need to be expanded further with BOTH Murphy and CJ coming to Detroit and Ivey, 5 and maybe Beef Stew coming back. It’s a lot of cap for Detroit to swallow but solves pretty much all their issues…for now. Regardless, I don’t think the Pels have a home to develop anyone at 21. If that’s too rich, EJ Lidell can come back to Pistons to develop as a backup 4.

4. Utah

It comes down to asset depth. The Jazz are developing Hendricks, Brice and have Lauri, Collins and Kessler at the 4/5. That’s a lot. They’d likely want to consolidate and keep doubling down on higher ceiling guys.

The Hendricks or Kessler ideas are more realistic here. Neither has shown glimpses of super stardom, and Buzelis at least carries that tag more.

Why all or any for Detroit?

Reed Sheppard is the guy for Detroit in this draft. It’s too bad he won’t be there at 5. Clingan would help otherwise too, and is a fine choice moving forward.

I obv don’t love taking the 5th pick on one upside risk like Buzelis or Cody Williams here. Both could be nice but at this stage Detroit can’t afford to confirm with risk.

Pistons just need a lot of help and should take advantage of other team’s depth and need to consolidate for a multitude of talents that albeit risky, could solve more of their issues long term. Better than just one guy at 5.


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