Detroit Pistons: After winning the NBA Draft, the Pistons are officially back

After a few outstanding moves during the 2022 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons are relevant again and officially back.

Since the 2008-09 NBA season, the Detroit Pistons have been a second thought (if that) in the NBA. The Pistons made it to the playoffs in 2015 and 2018, but they were far from threats in the Eastern Conference.

Troy Weaver has done a fantastic job as general manager, but the 2022 Draft could leave him a legacy as one of the best GMs in the league.

Going into the draft, the Pistons had the 5th overall selection and were going to select just after what many projected to be a “top four draft.” Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, and Jaden Ivey cemented the top four players.

However, on draft night, there were whispers that the Sacramento Kings, who held the No. 4 pick, could potential zag while others were zigging and select Keegan Murray. And that’s exactly what happened, leaving the Pistons in a great position/

Detroit was ecstatic with Detroit’s decision and chose Ivey, who actually has a family connection to Detroit sports, which makes this pairing even more incredible.

The Pistons had the pleasure of selecting the top guard prospect in the draft. But it wasn’t the Ivey selection that made the Pistons night one to remember. Jalen Duren, the No. 2 center in the draft behind Chet Holmgren, was slipping too, and Weaver made a tremendous splash to go get him.

Here is the exact trade of how he pulled it off:

Charlotte Hornets received:

• 2023 1st round pick (lottery protected — from New York, via Denver)
• 2023 2nd from pick (from New York)
• 2023 2nd round pick (from New York, via Utah)
• 2023 2nd round pick (from New York via Dallas or Miami)
• 2024 2nd round pick (from New York)

New York Knicks received:

• 2023 1st round pick (lottery protected from Detroit)
• 2025 1st round pick (lottery protected from Detroit, via Portland)

Detroit Pistons received: 

• Draft rights to Jalen Duren (from Charlotte)
• PG Kemba Walker (from New York)

The addition of Jalen Duren was an elite move for the Pistons, especially considering it was coupled with the Ivey selection. Duren provides the perfect fit along with Cade Cunningham. The projected starting lineup of Cunningham Ivey, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewert, and Durent could terrify opponents for years to come. Having Dwane Casey, a former Coach of the Year winner, at the helm will only help this team in their development.

This season, be excited to see some electrifying lobs from Cunningham to Duren and even Ivey, an incredible dunker with 27 impressive dunks in college.

This team could end up being one of the more entertaining teams in the league for years to come. I don’t see them making a run for the playoffs yet, but a few years later, we will see a much busier arena and more Pistons jerseys in public.