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Kirthmon F. Dozier-Detroit Free Press
Pick #15
The Pistons selected Sekou Doumbouya of Limoges CSP (France) with their lone first-round pick. Doumbouya was the youngest prospect in the draft -18 years and 97 days - and was one of the most fluid athletes available. Originally slotted as a top 10 pick, Doumbouya was #9 on my personal board but fell to the Pistons at #15, meaning they could have a steal on their hands.
Doumbouya is a bit reminiscent of Pascal Siakam but doesn’t have quite the motor the 2019 Most Improved Player does. He’s a developing shooter, and in a recent 34-point outburst against LEVM connected on five of seven three-point attempts, showing potential from behind the arc. Doumbouya is a player who will need to be developed but comes with a boatload of upside; will the Pistons play him as a modern-day ‘4’? Personally, I think he fits better at the 3.
Comps: Al-Farouq Aminu, Mo Harkless
Grade: B
Pick #37
Detroit selected Deividas Sirvydis with the 37th pick. Sirvydis is a 6’9 SG/SF who has a quick release on his jump shot - he’s very dangerous coming off of screens. He is an above-average passer able to hit players off the PnR and can hit all three levels. He has a solid handle but is a below-average finisher, something he must improve in the NBA.
Comps: Kevin Huerter, Luke Kennard
Grade: C
Pick #57
The Pistons traded for the rights to Jordan Bone, who the New Orleans Pelicans selected with the 57th pick. The terms of the deal haven’t been made public yet, except for the fact that Bone is Motor City-bound. The Tennessee PG was one of the best athletes in the draft and should bring good competition to the Pistons backup-PG role.
Comps: Terry Rozier
Grade: C+
Trade: Pistons send Pick #30 to Cleveland for Four Future Second Round Picks.
I did not like this trade one bit. The Pistons had the chance to take Kevin Porter Jr. (the eventual #30 pick) and pair him with Doumbouya as two high-potential draft picks for the franchise to build around. Porter Jr. was arguably the best isolation scorer in this draft class, and for a Pistons team lacking offensive creativity outside of Blake Griffin, this presents a huge missed opportunity.
Grade: D