With the 2021 NBA Draft Lottery behind us, we now know the draft order for all but 4 teams in the NBA Draft this summer. The Detroit Pistons will be selecting 1st Overall for the first time since 1970. It seems that General Manager Troy Weaver will be able to get his franchise cornerstone in Cade Cunningham. If Detroit goes the way they are currently expected to, Cade would be joining a youthful roster with stars in the making in Jerami Grant, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart, and Killian Hayes. Things are looking up in the Motor City for the first time in a long time.
With how draft lotteries have plagued Detroit sports teams the last few seasons, the entire State of Michigan held their breath as they waited to hear their name called, and they weren’t disappointed. As the cards were flipped to reveal that the Rockets would be drafting second overall, it meant Detroit had moved up to that coveted number one draft slot.
Detroit was represented at the lottery by Hall of Famer and Pistons Legend Ben Wallace, who himself was undrafted all those years ago. It was only fitting that one of Detroit’s own would be there to lead them into the future. With Wallace in attendance, the Pistons had their future changed with a bit of luck.
The Pistons are, of course, expected to draft Cade Cunningham out of Oklahoma State. Cunningham led the Cowboys to their first tournament appearance since 2017. He averaged an impressive 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and shot 43.8% from the field in 27 games this season. Due to his impressive collegiate career, it’s unlikely that any other players will seriously be considered at number one. Although I’m sure the team will do their due diligence and workout Evan Mobley and Jalen Green. With the Pistons now on the clock, GM Troy Weaver seems to be happy with the direction of the team. On the Pistons winning the lottery he said, “ I’m ecstatic about moving our franchise forward. Getting this pick right is what I was hired for. We have to do our work and be ready”. Whichever direction the Pistons end up going, I’m sure Weaver will make the right choice given his impressive track record with the team thus far.
For Detroit fans, it seems like they can finally see the light at the end of the title. The team will likely only need a few more years of rebuilding before they are back in the thick of the playoffs. It’s safe to say that the building blocks for a successful future are there, it’s up to the management to assemble a competitive team that can return the city to its winning ways. And with that, with a little hope, bring an NBA title back to the city for the first time since 2004.
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