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2016 NBA Draft Primer: Central Division

By Ryan Blackburn

Mar 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) handles the ball while Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) defends during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) handles the ball while Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) defends during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) walks to the bench during the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Cavs win 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) walks to the bench during the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Cavs win 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Pistons

Draft Picks: 18, 49

Team Needs: Backup point guard, floor-spacing forward

Untouchable Players: Reggie Jackson, Tobias Harris, Andre Drummond, Stanley Johnson

Expendable Assets: Jodie Meeks

Summary: 

The Pistons are in a pretty good situation as long as they simply retain Andre Drummond. They need to pay the man, but after that, they have a very simple path: make small moves and build with the current core.

Drummond, Reggie Jackson and Tobias Harris make up a great core for the Pistons. Even though they were swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round, there’s more to the team than meets the eye.

No member of the core is above 25 years old, and each player will be on a long-term contract for at least the next three seasons except Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who the team will decide on next offseason. They still have pieces to acquire, and they need a true star scorer. That being said, Andre Drummond is still 22 years old. He’s got time.

Ideal Draft Day Trade:

A small deal, but a necessary one. The Pistons just traded away Spencer Dinwiddie, and Steve Blake is a free agent. They need a backup point guard to Reggie Jackson, and there aren’t many better fits than Jose Calderon in Stan Van Gundy’s system. He can shoot from outside and keep the offense going in a reserve role.

Jodie Meeks is too much of an injury risk, and his money would be better spent in free agency on a shooter (Courtney Lee, perhaps?).

Predictions:

I believe that the Pistons will make a small deal on draft night, possibly one similar to the deal above. They must capitalize on their opportunity with the young core, and adding a veteran like Calderon to be a stabilizer would be a shrewd move.

As for the 18th overall pick, the Pistons should go with the best player available approach. Another shooter on the outside at either shooting guard or power forward would fit beautifully with the current assortment of pieces.

If Denzel Valentine or Taurean Prince is on the board, they appear to be great fits as talented three-point marksmen with a solid secondary skill. Valentine would add some playmaking on the wing, while Prince would inject some defensive energy.

Next: Indiana Pacers