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Detroit Pistons: Worst Draft Picks Of The Last 20 Years

By Adam McGee

Jan 22, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Knight (11) reacts after being fouled during the game against the Detroit Pistons at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 104-101. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Knight (11) reacts after being fouled during the game against the Detroit Pistons at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 104-101. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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3. Mateen Cleaves

It’s easy to understand why the Pistons chose Mateen Cleaves with the 14th pick of the 2000 draft. Cleaves entered the NBA after being the standout player in a Michigan State national championship win. As a Michigan native, who had a successful college career in the state, it was always going to be tough for Detroit to pass on him.

Cleaves didn’t have the worst of rookie seasons, but did nowhere near enough to convince Detroit that he could be their point guard for the longer term. After averaging 5.4 points and 2.7 assists in over 16 minutes per game, Cleaves was yet another Pistons draft pick to be moved after just one season when he was traded to Sacramento.

Cleaves bounced from team to team in the NBA for a few years, before having to finish his career going between Europe and the D-League.

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