ESPN's Chad Ford is up to version 9.0 on his NBA mock draft (Insider) and for the first time in a long time he has changed who he believes the Detroit Pistons will select, opting for Meyers Leonard instead of John Henson.
Ford's rationale:
Analysis: The Pistons have a huge workout scheduled for Monday with Leonard, Tyler Zeller, Perry Jones, Terrence Jones, John Henson and Jared Sullinger. Going into the workout, it looks like Leonard has the slight edge over the rest of the group.
The Pistons really want to move Greg Monroe back over to the 4 and need a big, physical center to guard the paint. Leonard could be the guy, unless he disappoints in Detroit on Monday.
He also has Ohio State big man Jared Sullinger (a top-10 talent who is battling athleticism and health concerns) sliding down to the pick No. 19 by the Orlando Magic.
Ford has pegged Henson for the Pistons since version 4.0 and it certainly made sense. The Pistons are on the hunt for a big man, preferably one that can rebound, block shots, help with defense down low and maybe even one armed with a serviceable jump shot. The team needs a player that can complement franchise cornerstone Greg Monroe and Henson seemed like a good fit.
While Leonard has recently shot up draft charts following great measurables and performance at the NBA Draft Combine, his numbers in college pale in comparison to Henson and especially Sullinger.
What he does provide, however, is a legit 7-foot frame and the reputation as being a player that has "upside," owing to his youth and the fact that he only had one year of college ball where he played significant minutes.
Today, the Pistons are bringing in most of the players vying for the No. 9 pick. There is no saying whether today's workout will sway their decision either way but it could be down to a two-man race between Henson and Leonard.
Here are the respective Draft Express videos for Henson and Leonard.
John Henson
Meyers Leonard