NBA Draft: Who will the Pistons take with the 8th pick?

NBA Draft takes place Thursday night

DETROIT – The NBA Draft is tonight, and the Pistons seem to be zeroing in on who they are targeting with the eighth pick.

With Greg Monroe's likely departure, the addition of Ersan Ilyasova, and a stacked back court, the team is likely looking at adding a small forward. Here's a look at a few of the potential choices for the Pistons.

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HIGH PROBABLITIY:

Stanley Johnson Jr. - Small Forward - Arizona

Johnson's main skill is his defense. "I can guard fours," he said at his Santa Barbara pre-draft workout. "I can guard Draymond Green. I can guard Kawhi Leonard. I can guard Mike Conley -- I can stay with him, at least. You guard people in stints; I can definitely stint the minutes for sure."

Johnson is 6'7", 245 pounds with a wingspan just under 7 feet. He averaged 13.8 points per game in his final year at Arizona, including shooting 37 percent from 3s, and 49 percent on pull-ups.

Mario Hezonja - Small Forward - Croatia

Pistons fans will cringe at the sound of another European player being taken in the draft - the Darko burn still hurts for some - but Hezonja might be different. He's 6'8", 200 pounds, and he's, as they say, raw. This note is from DraftExpress:

"Hezonja's worst moments this season have come in situations where the intersection of his talent and confidence have led to him settling for difficult shots in the half court and looking to do too much with the ball in his hands … His body language is poor at times and he seems to get down on his teammates. … it will be fascinating to watch how his swagger, ego and unlimited self-confidence fit in on whichever team opts to draft him. His mentality could pay huge dividends if he reaches his lofty potential down the road, but what kind of growing pains will he experience early in his NBA career?"

Hezonja is a high-flying, athletic, range-shooting forward. He'll need some work, but could fit in well with the Stan Van Gundy system.

MEDIUM PROBABILITY:

Kristaps Porzingis - C - Latvia

Yes, another European player is listed. Porzingis is a 7-footer who has been drawing great reviews from scouts. The big man can shoot and block shots, and he's only 19. He'll likely be taken before the eighth pick, but the Pistons, who worked out Porzingis, would find it hard to pass on him if he were to fall.

Myles Turner - C - Texas

Although the Pistons have Andre Drummond, they are seriously lacking in front court depth. Turner is a big dude, standing 6'11", almost 250 pounds. He's a force on the boards, and he can shoot! Turner shot 40 percent from 3-point range, 44.4 percent on 2-point jumpers.

SLIM CHANCE -- BUT WE CAN DREAM!

Justice Winslow - Small Forward - Duke

The Pistons brought in Justice Winslow for a workout this past week. Only problem is, he's probably a top five or six pick, easily. Do they know something we don't?

Winslow is the perfect fit for the Pistons. He would slide in to the starting lineup alongside Jackson, Caldwell-Pope, Drummond and Ilyasova. Winslow is a big-time athlete, and can score from anywhere on the court. He's a clean ball handler, can run the floor with ease, and he's got great speed on the fast break. Let's not get our hopes up.


About the Author:

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.