Your Four Favorite Pistons Draft Prospects
About six days ago, one of our trusty readers DetPistons3 wrote a FanPost laying out some of the Pistons prospects while picking four of his favorites. At the beginning of the post he asks you to pick yours as well and share your thoughts in the comments section. I know a lot of you have already weighed in with your thoughts, but I thought a front page posting might help give those readers who don't normally comment some inspiration to comment here. Continue reading after the jump and share your thoughts. DetPistons3 does a great job with this, so it's definitely worth the read.
With the draft approaching rapidly, the Pistons have no doubt narrowed their prospect list down to a few potential rookies. Though loyal Piston fans don't have nearly the same resources as Dumars at his disposal, I thought It would be fun to play favorites. So who are your favorite prospects? Name your top 4, with a sentence or two explaining why you prefer each option.
Dumars has his favorites, who are yours?
Top Potential Prospects
The following is a list of potential Pistons in this years draft, click on the name to find his NbaDraft.net scouting report
Point Guards
Undoubtedly the deepest area in the draft, the Pistons are most likely to draft a point guard due to the overwhelming depth at the position
Jonny Flynn PG
Biggest Strength: Athleticism / Clutch Performance
Biggest Weakness: Size / More of a Scorer
Availability at 15th: Unlikely
This quick and athletic, yet undersized, point guard hailing from Syracuse has really improved his draft stock in the weeks of the combine leading up to the draft. Incredibly quick and has the "takeover" reflex. His size would prevent him being paired on the court with Bynum however, as his defense leaves alot to be desired.
Stephen Curry PG/SG
Biggest Strength: Scoring / Jumpshot
Biggest Weakness: Size
Availability at 15th: Highly Unlikely
The prolific scorer from Davidson comes with a huge detractment, he's not a natural point guard. He will be extremely undersized as a SG in the NBA. His ability to defend bigger shooting guards at the next level won't be great (think of him guarding Kobe Bryant). Nevertheless, his scoring will allow him to compete in the NBA and undersized SGs have succeeded in the NBA before (Ben Gordon). At the least he'll be a shooting specialist.
Tyreke Evans PG/SG
Biggest Strength: Ball Handling / Scoring
Biggest Weakness: Shot-Selection
Availability at 15th: Highly Unlikely
The efficient scorer from Memphis is a very smooth athlete who can score at will. His size is excellent for a PG but undersized for a SG. Is a bit uncertain with positions as his distributing is great but is most efficient off the ball. If his jumpshot improves, he can be an excellent scorer in the NBA.
Jeff Teague PG
BIggest Strength: Quickness / Scoring
Biggest Weakness: Strength / Not a Pure PG
Availabilty at 15th: Likely
The explosive PG from Wake Forest is an intruiging prospect for the Pistons. His scoring talents will be invaluable and his ability to get into the lane is exactly what the Pistons are looking for. Teague needs to bulk up and develop better playmaking skills, an additional year at Wake would do wonders but teams will still draft him based on potential alone.
Jrue Holiday PG/SG
Biggest Strength: Ball Handling
Biggest Weakness: Stuck between positions
Availibility at 15th: Unlikely
The intriguing combo guard from UCLA comes with his share of red flags. Was a dissapointment coming out of high school. Has played out of position most of his career, he is a more adept shooting guard but his size has prevented him from staying there full time. Battles inconsistency. Nonetheless, if he can improve decision making and become a point in the NBA (ala Chauncey Billups), or if he can become a more consistent scorer and become a shooting guard (ala Michael Redd), his career will be a successful one.
Eric Maynor PG
Biggest Strength: PG Skills
Biggest Weakness: Athleticism
Availibility at 15th: Likely
One of the purest PGs in the draft, Maynor draws parralels to Rodney Stuckey. He's a crafty PG from a small college and has the potential to be a big player in the NBA. If he can improve his strength and explosiveness, he can be one of the steals of the draft.
Wings
While the cream of the crop resides in point guards, there are still some quality players at the position.
Gerald Henderson SG/SF
Biggest Strength: Athleticism
Biggest Weakness: Size / Inconsistency / And he's from Duke :P
Availibilty at 15th: Somewhat likely
The showstopper from Duke is a questionable choice for the Pistons. At 6-4 he's undersized for the SG position, and the Pistons are already stocked at the 2. Nevertheless, the Pistons should be eyeing talent rather than need at this point and Henderson is an undoubtable talent.
Chase Budinger SG/SF
Biggest Strength: Athleticism
Biggest Weakness: Defense / Ball Handling
Availibility at 15th: Likely
The athletic Arizona highflyer would be a valuable contribution to the Pistons. He's very athletic, with a high basketball IQ and a great jump shot. Still loaded with potential and with his athleticism, he'll likely succeed wherever he lands. He's great at coming off screens and shooting (sound familiar?) But some say he lacks intangibles like toughness and a killer instinct. He's perfect size for shooting guard but slightly undersized for the 3, so a case could be made that the Pistons have no need for him.
Biggest Strength: Size / Length
Biggest Weakness: Inconsistency
Availibility at 15th: Somewhat likely
Teague's teammate from Wake is an interesting prospect. He has a 7'1 wingspan and at 6'9 he has excellent size for the position. He may finally be the backup Prince has been waiting for for so long. He needs to improve his decision making and shot selection. Has been compared to Danny Granger. If he can develop like Granger, he can be an excellent pickup for the Pistons.
Earl Clark SF
Biggest Strength: Size
Biggest Weakness: Jumpshot
Availability at 15th: Likely
The versatile forward out of Louisville represents a huge need for the Pistons. He can play both the 3 and the 4 and can guard 4 positions. The sky's the limit with Clark if his jumpshot improves, as he has proved he can score inside and outside.
Biggest Strength: Defense
Biggest Weakness: Jump Shot
Availibility at 15th: Very Likely
The freak from Louisville is one of those guys that can do everything adequately, but nothing amazing. Players like this often don't have much of a role in the NBA, but that's what people said about Danny Granger. Despite only being 6'6, he can still fill a void at SF behind Tay/Whichever free agent we get.
Austin Daye SF/PF
Biggest Strength: Jump Shot / Size
Biggest Weakness: Needs to add bulk / Strength
Availability at 15th: Very Likely
The wiry small forward from Gonzaga is a classic boom-or-bust pick. He has a silky smooth jumper that he can pull over any defender. His high release and great length mean it's almost unblockable. The biggest detractment that can greatly hinder his success in the NBA is his weight. There's a reason guys wear a t-shirt under their jersey. He's under 200 lbs (compare to Rashard Lewis, another sharpshooting SF, who is 230 lbs.) He can't absorb contact and has alot of trouble finishing in traffic due to his tendency to being thrown around. Even Kevin Durant weighs significantly more than him. Austin Daye has the tools to be a substaintial player in the NBA, but he is also just as likely to develop into nothing more than a jumpshot specialist. With a good weight training program, however, Daye can develop into a quality talent.
Big Men
The thinnest position in the draft, not many players qualify as big men. Nevertheless, talent is still there, and the Pistons could do well with taking a gamble on one of these guys.
Dejuan Blair PF
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Biggest Strength: Rebounding
Biggest Weakness: Size / Weight
Availibility at 15th: Somewhat likely
The behemoth from Pitt has numerous red flags, but for every red flag he puts up a 20-20 game that silences doubters. The question with Blair is whether he'll eat himself into an early retirement like Robert Traylor, or keep in reasonable shape like Charles Barkley or Jason Maxiell. He's an exceptional rebounder and scouts agree rebounding is one skill that translates very well into the NBA, so we'll know Blair will gobble up boards if given the minutes. He has adequate post moves, but they need to be tuned up if he'll become a reliable scorer at the next level. If the Pistons trust his knees, and his conditioning, he can grow to be a unique, but effective, player.

Biggest Strength: Height
Biggest Weakness: NBA Readiness / Lazy (?)
Availibility at 15th: Very Likely
The 7 ft. monster from Ohio St. is a questionable prospect. Some question his motivation for the game, and if he, like others before him, were just pushed into basketball because of his size. But, if he can avoid going the Darko route, he can be a reliable 7 footer for any team. Shown the ability to step out and shoot a mid ranger, as well as bang inside. He's extremely raw, and is probably a year or two away from developing into a quality NBA player
Other Prospects
Ty Lawson PG
Damien James SF
My Top Four
Eric Maynor
One of the few pure point guards in the draft, has the size to be paired with Bynum in the same lineup
Earl Clark
Great size and wingspan, can finally be the backup Tay has longed for since he stepped into the league (Delfino doesn't count)
Jonny Flynn
"I was watching Brooks shred through defenses in the playoffs and I was cheering, ‘Do it for the little guys!’ " Flynn told ESPN.com at the Chicago combine. "He’s proving what I’ve been trying to say for years. The size of your heart is what matters. When you have a big heart, you can play with the best of them."
...'Nuff Said
James Johnson
The skilled wing player is another guy that can backup Tay.
These posts are NOT the views and opinions of Detroit Bad Boys. FanPosts are user-created and shall be treated as such. Thank you.
2 recs |
33 comments
Comments
Top 4....
Evans, Clark, Maynor and Blair
Evans would be my top choice…..if he can develop int oa shooting guard and keep improving his shot….Look out……..Calrk would be 2nd……Great athlete……Only Lousiville player that didnt act like a fool ater State beat them…..Maynor 3rd and then Blair.
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 16, 2009 1:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I like that list
Maynor is my favorite PG in this draft, and Evans was my 5th choice, he’s a great scorer, but he may be too much of a shooting guard.
We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne
by detpistons3 on Jun 16, 2009 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thats what....
….i want him to be…….Stcukey and Evans in the back court…man thats awesome….people want a point guard so bad….Stuckey has started at the point for half a season…..he needs time…..he will be a great pg…Look how many years it took Billups…..Stuckey will be better then billups also.
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 17, 2009 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great job, detpistons3
I’ll see if I can edit this a little and get it on the front page in the next few days.
I like Clark mainly because of his wingspan so he can play big. I read today (I think in the Freep) that it’ll be tough to pass up on him if he falls to the Pistons at 15.
Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog
by Packey on Jun 16, 2009 2:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
And I agree, Clark is a very intruiging prospect. I’ve liked Maynor for a long time, and him and Clark are about tied as my favorite possible draft choice, but consensus says Clark is better than Maynor, but Maynor is arguably the purest point in the draft.
We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne
by detpistons3 on Jun 16, 2009 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My top 4
For the 1st round pick: Earl Clark, Johnny Flynn, James Johnson, Gerald Henderson
I don’t think Evans will last past the top 8, so I didn’t list him. Clark is solid all around, Flynn is a dynamo, Johnson has a huge wingspan, and could be an excellent rebounder, and Henderson is a decent shooter who is very athletic
For the 2nd round picks: Darren Collison, Jeff Adrien, Garrett Siler, Josh Heytvelt
Collison has definite first round ability, Adrien is very tough, Siler is huge, and Heytvelt is a PF with range
Check out nickandroll.blogspot.com
by n1ck34 on Jun 16, 2009 4:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Evans
In early mocks I"ve seen him going around the 15th pick, so I thought I’d list him. If Evans lasts, I think the Pistons will jump on him
Nice picks on the 2nd rd, I like Collison I think he was overshadowed by Jrue Holiday and he is alot better than people give him credit for. UCLA is known for spitting out PGs, and Collison can be one of them.
I also really like Adrien, but it may be we have a better version of him in Maxiell. Still, he could be a good choice especially considering our roster will be completely different next year.
We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne
by detpistons3 on Jun 16, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
One and dones
I am always scared of my team picking a one and done player, but at the 15th pick you wouldn’t get crucified if the guy isn’t great. With that said, I would be happy is Evans fell to us, but I don’t think he is a superstar in this League.
Also, I would like to see us grab a center that can contribute this year…but please don’t let it be B.J. Mullens. I think he is partially retarded, and the fact that he is from Ohio State makes it so much worse.
Check out nickandroll.blogspot.com
by n1ck34 on Jun 16, 2009 9:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Amen
Praying we don’t grab Mullens. I don’t like him one bit. Not since his awful interview he had with an Ohio State journalism student and ragged on the University of Michigan and the state of Michigan itself. When asked to sum up his feelings with one SAT word, Mullens responded, “Boo.”
Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog
by Packey on Jun 16, 2009 10:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He Could Be Really Good....
…..I think he is worth a gamble…..But only if all other options are off the board
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 17, 2009 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah
About Evans…my favorite draft site, NBADraft.net has him going sixth
Check out nickandroll.blogspot.com
by n1ck34 on Jun 16, 2009 9:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
They updated it yesterday
Evans is now going 12th to Charlotte, but Jonny Flynn’s stock has raised considerably, he’s going 7th to Golden State. Although I don’t think that’s right, According to recent reports (rumors), the Golden State Warriors are determined to stick with Monta Ellis as their playmaker. We’ll see how that goes
We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne
by detpistons3 on Jun 17, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why do We Need A PG????
….So bad….We have Stuckey whose played the position for what half a season???…..Look how long it took Billups to become a PG…..Stuckey has the speed and vision to be a great PG…..I think we have more glaring needs then the point…..Stuckey isnt a good enoug hshooter to play SG therefore he will be the point…..he just needs more time….Evans will be a great Shooting Guard……that backcourt would scare anyone.
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 17, 2009 12:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That backcourt would be overpowered
by the bigger backcourts in the league
We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne
by detpistons3 on Jun 17, 2009 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Evans is 6 7......thats pretty tall
by BennieBladesFan on Jun 17, 2009 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Evans
According to NBAdraft.net is 6’5, I’ve seen some sites list him as 6’4 and even 6’3
We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne
by detpistons3 on Jun 17, 2009 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stuckey
I like him, he’s a decent player. But I would bet my life he never reaches Billups talent level. His defense is atrocious and you can’t even compare Billups and Stuckey’s shooting ability. I think those two things are a big reason why people want a PG to replace Stuckey.
ABC baby, always be closing.
by ALWAYSBCLOSING on Jun 22, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stop dreaming
I will say it right now…there is no way Evans will be available at 15, so the point is null.
Check out nickandroll.blogspot.com
by n1ck34 on Jun 17, 2009 1:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Great post, dp3
I enjoy basketball but I’m not very knowledegable of the players coming out. (You guys know I’m more of a football/hockey guy) This post was a great primer for the casual basketball fans like me. Great job, dude. Go Pistons!
by JazzyBBP on Jun 17, 2009 6:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks alot Jazzy
I don’t follow college basketball as much as I do college football, but I do my fair share of research on each of the prospects. Any player that can potentially better my team rest assured I’ll do anything possible to know their tendencies inside and out
We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne
by detpistons3 on Jun 17, 2009 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Update:
I knew I was forgetting someone, turns out it was Austin Daye.
P.S Don’t forget you can click on the player’s name for a detailed scouting report from NbaDraft.net, my favorite site for the NBA Draft.
We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne
by detpistons3 on Jun 17, 2009 6:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
my fave 4..1.0
I would pick.. Terrance Willaims-SG/SF..Louisville
I also like…….Jeff Teague-PG/Sg..Wake Forest
I also like……..Johnny Flynn-PG…Syracuse
And lastly my pick would be…Josh Heyvelt..Gonzaga
Williams has the tools to be a watered down T-Mac, early years in Orlando..He does it all, without a sweat..Jeff Teague seems like the guy you can’t stand but would love to have him on your team..Great court vision and a ability to get his shot…Johnny Flynn, who I thought before that historic performance against U Conn, in the Big East tournament was playing has well has anybody in college Basketball, including Blake Griffin..And Josh Heyvelt, he had some off court problems, but he can do it all..Postup/draw the defense outside/rebound/and he has that uncanny knack to get the job done
by DeathStorm 2009 on Jun 21, 2009 10:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Fab Four
1. Trade it
2. Earl Clark
3. DeJuan Blair
4. Terrence Williams
by walking_is_still_honest on Jun 22, 2009 12:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Am I the only fan of Ty Lawson
I think he is a winner, and fast enough to make up for his speed.
I root for the Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings and yes, the Lions.
www.twitter.com/zajareich
by ReichardZ on Jun 22, 2009 6:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I like Ty Lawson
And if we were in a different draft position, I would be eyeing him. But the reality is, at 15th there are better prospects available. If we want a speedy yet undersized PG, we could draft Teague. If we want a distributer, we can draft Maynor. There are better prospects with better credentials
We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne
by detpistons3 on Jun 22, 2009 11:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Lawson
I would pick him over Teague too
by Detroit4lyfe on Jun 23, 2009 3:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not so sure about that
Teague is a vastly better scorer than Lawson, he’s also taller.
We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne
by detpistons3 on Jun 23, 2009 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone hear
…about the proposed Celtics-Pistons trade? Rondo and Allen for Prince, Rip, and Stuckey. Detroit rejected, but that’s a crazy offer and an intriguing one. Any thoughts?
ABC baby, always be closing.
by ALWAYSBCLOSING on Jun 22, 2009 10:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Source?
I would have laughed in Boston’s face if I was Joe Dumars and I received that offer.
Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog
by Packey on Jun 22, 2009 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's ridiculous
Not sure if it’s true but a ridiculous trade offer. Rip for Allen is basically a fair trade. But Prince and Stuckey for Rondo? Absolute bullshit
We didn't lose the games, we just ran out of time -- Bobby Layne
by detpistons3 on Jun 22, 2009 11:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nevermind I found it
FanShot coming soon about it. Thanks for the tip.
Motown String Music- SB Nation's Detroit Pistons Blog
by Packey on Jun 23, 2009 1:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My four...
1. Earl Clark…. I think his size and athleticism are great assets. I think Clark measures 6’91/2" in shoes and weighs around 225. He is worth the gamble for having him as a back-up 3 or 4 having his kind of athleticism. I would cross my fingers and hope for him to become an all star.
2. James Johnson. I saw some of his youtube highlights. I’m conifent he is going to be an all star and he has good si
3. Gerald Henderson. I HATE DUKE!! but while watching Duke and hopeing they get beat by whoever they play, I was completely impressed with Henderson’s athleticism!
4. Austin Daye. He has freakish size, he just needs to hit the feed bag and the gym as often as possible. He has a ridiculous wing span, and I believe he is closer to 6’11 than 6’10.
by dab_sparks on Jun 24, 2009 12:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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