DETROIT – The Detroit Pistons moved up in the first round of the NBA draft because they believed Ebuka Okorie could change their offense, per general manager Trajan Langdon.
Detroit traded up four spots Tuesday night to acquire the No. 17 overall pick from the Memphis Grizzlies and selected the former Stanford guard.
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Langdon said the Pistons targeted Okorie throughout the process and decided to be aggressive to ensure they landed him.
“We wanted to go get the guy we wanted,” Langdon said. “He’s a guy that we targeted in this process. We liked him and thought he would fit what we’re trying to do here.”
The Pistons sent the No. 21 pick and three second-round selections to Memphis to move up four spots.
Detroit used the pick on one of college basketball’s most productive freshmen after Okorie’s breakout season at Stanford.
Okorie, a 6’2” guard, averaged 23.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 46.5% from the field, 35.4% from 3-point range, and 83.2% from the free-throw line. He finished seventh nationally in scoring and earned first-team All-ACC honors.
Langdon said Okorie’s ability to pressure the rim and create offense stood out.
“An incredible speed with the ball in hand,” Langdon said. “He was up there in the country with and ones in the paint, especially at the point guard position. He’s probably a top-three scorer as a freshman in the country.”
Detroit believes that downhill style can translate quickly, giving the team another player who can generate paint touches and create shots in both the half-court and transition.
“He can get paint touches at will and can help not only score for us in the half court and the full court, but also help distribute and have a little bit more creation for us all over the court,” Langdon said.
While Okorie’s scoring drove his rise, Langdon also pointed to his defensive upside.
Okorie has a 6-foot-8 wingspan and has built a reputation as a competitive perimeter defender.
“He plays bigger than he is,” Langdon said. “He’s got a 6’8” wingspan. He really gets after it.”
Langdon said Detroit was encouraged by Okorie’s development path, noting he was not heavily recruited out of Brewster Academy before “exploding on the scene” at Stanford.
“He wasn’t highly recruited out of Brewster Academy, went to Stanford, and kind of exploded on the scene,” Langdon said. “I think that’s because of the confidence he has.”
Langdon said Okorie’s personality and approach made an impression during the evaluation process.
“He has a quiet confidence about him,” Langdon said. “He’s not boisterous. He’s not loud. He just comes in the gym and does his work and competes at a high level.”
Detroit expects Okorie’s skill set to complement Cade Cunningham by adding another ball handler and playmaker.
Langdon said Okorie carried a heavy burden at Stanford and could benefit from playing alongside other creators.
“He was by far the best playmaker at Stanford that they had, so he carried a huge weight and a huge responsibility,” Langdon said. “Playing with Cade, playing on units without Cade, he can push the pace and make things easier.”
Langdon said Okorie’s role as a rookie will depend on his development, but the Pistons believe his competitiveness will give him a chance to contribute early.
“He’s going to bring everything every day,” Langdon said. “I have no doubt that he will reach his ceiling.”
For Detroit, the move was about adding a player it views as a fit and a needed offensive weapon.
“He helps us going forward,” Langdon said. “We’ll continue to be aggressive, looking to get better and adding to this group.”