CHICAGO — Barring any situation that involves a trade, the Pistons will draft a high-level forward with the fifth pick in next month's NBA draft, which is set for June 22.
It will mark the second straight year that Detroit dropped to fifth in the draft. Last year, the franchise was able to select a starting level combo-guard at No. 5 in Jaden Ivey, who had a sensational rookie year, specifically after the All-Star break.
Five of the last six players who were picked at No. 5 were point guards, but the Pistons don't need another guard since they currently have their starting backcourt in Cade Cunningham and Ivey. Three of those six players have developed into All-Stars, which bodes well for the potential at that draft position.
