Detroit Pistons Recent Draft Success Must Continue In 2016

The Detroit Pistons have had successful draft classes in recent years, but 2016 may be more important to continue building off those successful picks.

The Detroit Pistons didn’t snap a seven-year playoff drought by chance; among many changes were drafting young players who are now developing into the franchise’s core.

The Pistons have been lottery-bound in recent drafts and Tuesday night’s draft lottery would usually be a highlight of a fans’ week, but not this year for Michiganders.

The NBA Draft lottery will be irrelevant for the Pistons and their fans, since the team holds the 18th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Previous lottery picks have helped build the Pistons young core. Andre Drummond was selected ninth overall in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Pistons, and now he is valued at a max contract, according to the Detroit Free Press’ Vince Ellis.

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Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who has made a name for himself by his tough defense, was drafted eighth overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. The Pistons selected rising rookie Stanley Johnson eighth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft.

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These three players combined for 38.8 points per game, which is 38 percent of the Pistons’ scoring output, and 22.7 rebounds per game, which is 49 percent of the Pistons’ rebounding during the 2015-16 season.

Since Drummond was drafted in 2012, the Pistons’ roster has seen a lot of turnover. General manager Jeff Bower and president of basketball operations head coach Stan Van Gundy have been busy turning the Pistons around quickly.

The Pistons were coming off of a 29-53 season when Van Gundy and Bower took the reins of the Pistons. Their first together resulted in a 32-50 season, followed by the very successful 44-38 season this year.

With the NBA’s salary cap rising to $92 million this offseason, the Pistons will likely ink Drummond to a maximum offer sheet that will take up 25 percent of the Pistons salary cap space, according to Ellis.

That makes the Pistons’ 2016 NBA Draft an important one when it comes to addressing team needs.

Two glaring needs the Pistons have are in their rotations. Fortunately for them, their wings are pretty set with KCP, Marcus Morris and Johnson. A second-year player and the Pistons’ second-round pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Darrun Hilliard has solidified himself as a solid offensive option.

The backup point guard and backup power forward positions are the first area of need for the Pistons. Fortunately for them, there are some good options as a mid-first round pick. DraftExpress‘ latest mock draft (May 15) has the Pistons drafting Baylor forward Taurean Prince.

However, if Tyler Ulis is still on the board at that point, he would likely be a better option to fill a need. Gonzaga forward Domantas Sabonis was previously mocked to them and in that pick range could be another good fit.

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With the contracts of Steve Blake and Anthony Tolliver expiring, it will give the Pistons more options to find their replacements. Free agency is one option for the Pistons to fulfill their needs, but the draft is arguably the best option.

The draft will give the Pistons a guaranteed contract obligation to their first round pick. Last year’s 18th overall pick, Houston Rockets forward Sam Dekker, made $1,646,400 for the 2015-16 season.

That means the Pistons can find a viable option, especially if Ulis and Sabonis are available, in the draft for a value price that can’t be matched during free agency.

This offseason proves to be an important for the Pistons. The development of their young core is crucial, but their offseason moves to bring in talent and sure-up some holes will be imperative to making a playoff run next season.

Next: 2016 NBA Draft: 8 Most Intriguing Prospects

Recent draft success has allowed the Pistons to develop a nice young core that proved they can compete in the NBA playoffs. Now they need to build on their successful drafts to fill their needs and continue to improve as a team.

June 23 will be an important date for the Pistons and their fans.