18. Detroit Pistons: Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga Bulldogs
Position: Power Forward
Age: 19 (5/3/1996)
Height & Weight: 6’10”, 238 pounds, 6’10.5″
Slash Line: .611/.357/.769
Season Averages: 31.9 MPG, 17.6 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.1 ORPG, 1.8 APG, 0.9 BPG
The Detroit Pistons are one of the most promising teams in the NBA. Stan Van Gundy has orchestrated a two-year turnaround, leading Detroit to its first postseason appearance since 2009 on the strength of its depth, balance, and pick-and-roll power.
With a skill set that’s looking more and more like that of a Van Gundy player, Domantas Sabonis is the best available option to be the future at power forward.
In his current state, Sabonis is a physical interior player who works his tail off on the offensive glass and is competent as a scorer from the post. He’s become a respected midrange shooter, and is beginning to expand his range to beyond the 3-point line.
The development of the latter skill would be critical to his succeeding in Detroit.
Van Gundy relies on his power forwards being able to connect from beyond the arc. Marcus Morris is underrated at the 4, and Tobias Harris has positional versatility, but Sabonis would be an excellent addition as a player who can also score from the post.
Sabonis has the skill set and mentality of a Van Gundy player.
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