Detroit Pistons: Complete 2018 offseason grades

Drafting Bruce Brown Jr.

After trading for Khyri Thomas, the Pistons used their 42nd overall pick to add further depth at guard by selecting Bruce Brown Jr. A projected first round selection entering his sophomore season at Miami, he saw his stock drop dramatically after his season ended prematurely with a foot injury.

Although he averaged 11.7 points per game during his college career, Brown is a liability offensively. He lacks the ability to create his own shot, and struggles creating opportunities for teammates, averaging only 3.5 assists per game. Additionally, he is a terrible 3-point shooter, and not much better from the charity stripe, where he made only 62.9 percent of his attempts last season.

Brown makes up for his lack of offense with his defensive skill-set. He creates scoring opportunities for himself in transition, averaging 1.3 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. He’s also an excellent rebounder for a point guard, averaging 7.1 rebounds per game last season.

His defense during NBA Summer League was impressive, and he made improvements at the free throw line, shooting nearly 90 percent. He also had some games where he showed offensive potential. However, his 28.8 percent field goal percentage, and 19 percent from beyond the arc were unacceptable for an NBA guard.

Brown needs to develop his offensive skill-set to become apart of the rotation. With Reggie Bullock and Luke Kennard expected to receive most of the minutes, and newly acquired Khyri Thomas better suited on both ends of the floor, it’s unlikely Brown touches the floor this season.

Grade: C+