NBA lottery: Detroit Pistons hoping to keep draft pick

Pick is Top-8 protected, could lose pick to Charlotte

DETROIT – The NBA Draft Lottery is tonight at 8 p.m., and Detroit Pistons fans are holding their breath. The team is currently slotted at No. 8 of 14 teams in the lottery.

Here are the Pistons odds at each position, per the NBA.

? No. 1 pick: 2.80%

? No. 2 pick: 3.26%

? No. 3 pick: 3.88%

? Nos. 4-7 picks: 0%

? No. 8 pick: 72.47%

? No. 9 pick: 16.78%*

? No. 10 pick: 0.80%*

? No. 11 pick: 0.01%*

? Nos. 12-14 picks: 0%

If the pick falls below No. 8, the Charlotte Bobcats get the pick. The pick is Top-8 protected because of a trade that involved Ben Gordon in 2012. According to the chart, there is a 17.59% chance of this happening. But, it is much more likely the Pistons will land the 8th pick.

Pistons guard Kyle Singler will represent the team at the lottery.

The Pistons hired Stan Van Gundy as head coach and team president last week. So, assuming the Pistons land the 8th pick, here are a few players to keep an eye on for the draft.

Doug McDermott - Forward - Creighton

The Pistons could be looking to break up their massive front court, which didn't seem to work well this past season. Detroit was among the worst teams in the league when it came to three-point shooting. McDermott brings size, and sharp shooting, coming out of college with a career 46% 3-point mark.

Marcus Smart - Point Guard - Oklahoma State

Stan Van Gundy could be looking for a true point guard, something Brandon Jennings has had trouble developing into. Although, he has had some trouble with composure on the court, Marcus Smart could be a good building block to rebuilding the Pistons offense into something that actually works. Smart averaged 18 points, and 5 assists last year in his sophomore year, and is considered a top point guard in this years draft class.

Rodney Hood - Small Forward - Duke

Pistons could be looking to add some depth to the front-court, preferably someone who can put the ball in the basket. Rodney Hood is one of the top offensive players in the draft. He can shoot the outside shot, or take it to the hoop with his great length and athleticism. The Pistons need playmakers.

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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.