Detroit Pistons: 5 options for pick No. 45 in the 2019 NBA Draft

The Detroit Pistons landed two solid players in the second round of last year’s NBA Draft. Can they find another contributor late in the 2019 NBA Draft?

The Detroit Pistons went into the 2018 NBA Draft with one second round pick and came out with two first round-caliber players: Miami guard Bruce Brown Jr., who the Pistons selected at No. 42 overall, and Creighton wing Khyri Thomas, who Detroit acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers after they took him at No. 38.

A lot of draft analysts projected Brown and Thomas to go higher than they did, and therefore praised the Pistons for adding a pair of potential diamonds in the rough that is the second round.

Brown went on to have a better-than-expected rookie season, starting in 56 games and earning a regular spot in coach Dwane Casey’s rotation as a perimeter defensive specialist. Thomas’ playing time was much more sporadic, but he performed well for the Pistons’ G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Drive, and had a few shining moments on the big league squad.

Can the Pistons find success again with their second round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft?

Detroit has the 15th pick in this year’s first round, as well as the 45th overall selection in the second round.

Of course, who the Pistons take at No. 45 depends a lot on who they take at No. 15, but it’s okay to speculate about the later selection without knowing the first. Here are five players that should be on the Pistons’ radar.