The Detroit Pistons have the worst record in the NBA this season, so they will once again be picking at the top of the NBA Draft. In 2023, they selected forward Author Thompson with the fifth overall pick.
The new lottery system will give the Pistons the same odds as the other two teams for the top pick.kevin o'connor ringer I recently put together a mock draft and had Detroit pick him 4th overall. With that selection, they selected Tennessee forward Dalton Knecht.
Knecht is an older prospect who spent five years in college. He is a 6-foot-6 forward and is best known for his shooting. Knecht just finished his senior season in which he averaged 21.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 1.8 APG. Tennessee's forwards took more than six shots per game and shot just under 40% from beyond the arc.
Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht (3) scores in transition late in the NCAA Tournament.
Brianna Pacholka/News Sentinel/USA
In analyzing Knecht's game, KOC cited Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Max Strus as professional comps. These are far from star-level players, but he's the complementary piece the Pistons need.
If you look at the core of the Pistons, what they lack is outside shooting. This is what they were trying to address at the trade deadline, acquiring players like Simone Fontecchio and Quentin Grimes. Drafting Knecht would add another forward with three-and-D potential to the roster.
This season, the Pistons are 27th in the NBA in 3-point attempts per game with 31.6. It ranks 26th in terms of percentage at 34.8%. Detroit already has a core of two non-shooters in Thompson and Jaylen Duren. It's far from a flashy pick, but the Pistons may want to consider drafting him for a fit.
Knecht is an experienced prospect who understands his role and can be productive from day one. Bringing in this archetypal player not only helps non-shooters, but also opens up the floor for Cade Cunningham.
