2017 NBA Draft: Detroit Pistons mock draft roundup 2.0

NBA Draft is in June

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DETROIT – The 2017 NBA Draft is right around the corner and the Detroit Pistons are hoping to hit it big with a lottery pick.

The Pistons own the 12th pick after the NBA Draft Lottery.

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The Pistons had a disappointing 2017 season, missing the playoffs the year after making the postseason in 2016 for the first time in six years.

There's much uncertainty with the roster moving into the offseason.

With the Pistons slated for a late lottery pick, here's what experts from around the league are expecting:

Bleacher Report: Zach Collins, C, Gonzaga: A 7-footer who averaged 10 points and 6 rebounds as a freshman with the Zags. He's got some range.

Reid Forgrave, CBS Sports: Luke Kennard, SG, Duke: I think Kennard is the most underrated player in this draft, which is why he's higher here than you'll see anywhere. It may seem like a stretch for Kennard here -- that the Pistons could get a higher upside player at this slot -- but Kennard feels like such a solid offensive player. He could develop into a lefty J.J. Redick in time, which is one thing the Pistons, a mediocre three-point shooting team, need.

Gary Parrish, CBS Sports: Zach Collins, C, Gonzaga: Collins is the first one-and-done player in Gonzaga history and could work well playing next to Andre Drummond. The 7-foot forward shot 47.6 percent from the 3-point line on the season -- and finished with 14 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks in the Zags' national semifinal win over South Carolina. Those numbers and that performance on such a big stage helped secure a place in the top 20 of this draft, guaranteed.

Sports Illustrated: Justin Jackson, F, North Carolina: This may be a little early for Jackson, but the Pistons need shooting and Jackson profiles as one of the draft’s more NBA-ready wings. His long arms give him a chance to be a strong defender, and his combination of craft and spot-up comfort would let him slot nicely into Detroit’s rotation early on. The Pistons are financially invested in Andre Drummond and have assembled enough parts that it’s likely not worth blowing everything up and starting over just yet. Jackson might be able to make them better right away.

SB Nation: Donovan Mitchell, G, Louisville: The Pistons seriously considered moving Reggie Jackson last season. Mitchell isn’t a natural replacement, but he has some of the same qualities Stan Van Gundy looks for a guard. Namely: length and athleticism. Mitchell should be able to carve out a role defensively while his shooting and secondary creation ability continues to develop. Think of him as Victor Oladipo with a better handle.

 


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.