Detroit Pistons: 3 biggest disappointments from the 2018-19 NBA season

1. Lack of internal development continues to hurt the team

The Pistons have a number of players over the past decade or so that they have whiffed on in the NBA Draft. They’ve passed on players that became All-Stars, while drafting guys that were let go before their rookie contracts were up. Teams at the top of the NBA either have deep pockets or deep rosters. Right now, the Pistons don’t seem to have either, and it shows with the amount of struggling they do every year.

Stanley Johnson and Henry Ellenson were both traded at the deadline. One was a former top-10 draft pick that never developed a consistent 3-point shot. The other was a former top-20 pick that never developed, period. The Pistons’ staff continues to rely on grabbing outside players, but that doesn’t always work. This is why internal developments matter so much. Otherwise, a team will likely always be a step below those top teams.

The Pistons can’t afford to miss in this draft. Griffin’s window to be a top-level NBA player is limited. They need to make their first round pick count by getting a guy that can contribute right away. If they spend the pick on a developmental guy, he’ll either finally be a developed player, or he will flame out in a hurry, which further closes their window for contention.

Draft good players, and turn them into great players. It’s not always that simple, but damn does it sound good to a team that’s struggled to do so like Detroit.