Houston’s Jarace Walker appears to be the most likely draft choice for the Pistons, but the possibility of Alabama’s Brandon Miller sliding to No. 5 shouldn’t be dismissed, Mike Curtis of The Detroit News writes in a mailbag column. Miller is currently expected to be taken second or third, but unanswered questions about his connection to a fatal shooting in January continue to hang over him. He reportedly brought a legal brief from his attorneys to the draft combine that explained why he couldn’t go into detail about the case.
If the Hornets opt for Scoot Henderson at No. 2, Curtis views the Trail Blazers‘ pick as unpredictable due to rumors that they’re seeking to trade it for veteran help. The Rockets would also have to pass on Miller at No. 4, and while Curtis admits the scenario seems unlikely, he says it’s possible that Miller could continue to slip if teams are concerned about his legal issues.
If Detroit does wind up with Walker, Curtis sees it as a smooth fit for an organization that hopes to rebuild around defense. Walker is considered one of the strongest front court defenders in the draft, and he’s versatile enough to handle either forward position and maybe even see time as a small-ball center. Curtis notes that Walker has exhibited some promise as a play-maker as well.
There’s more from Detroit:
- A report earlier today indicated that the Pistons are willing to give Monty Williams $10MM per year to become their next head coach, and Marc Stein states in an email that the offers he has heard are $50MM over five years or $60MM over six years. Stein adds that owner Tom Gores‘ recent meetings with finalists Charles Lee and Kevin Ollie came after Williams turned down the team’s first offer. The Pistons view Williams as a perfect choice to establish the culture for a young roster, according to Stein.
- There’s a wide variance in opinions on prospects after the top three, so the Pistons’ best move might be to trade back and pick up more draft assets, state James L. Edwards III and John Hollinger of The Athletic. The authors view the Thunder, Jazz and Wizards as teams that might have interest in moving up to No. 5.
- Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press (subscription required) also considers possible trades with the fifth pick, suggesting that it might be used in a package to get Jaylen Brown from the Celtics or Dejounte Murray from the Hawks.
I think Murray and Brown will be traded for each other maybe other pieces to like Collins and Smart.
Something built around Murray for Brown makes a lot of sense for both teams
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I wouldn’t trade a top 5 pick for Brown. He’s good but not when it’s matters the most not to mention his hefty contract. I mean why would you trade for a SG when you just drafted Cunningham and Ivey!
I still can’t wrap my head around the Sadiq Bey trade. Dude is super young and talented. They should’ve sent that French bust to the Hawks instead.
You win 45-50 games next year if you have Brown. The Question is why would the Celtics trade their best player for a draft pick when they can run it back with the same cor that went to the finals and ECF in back to back years?
CBA restrictions rules makes it very difficult to build a championship roster around 2 max so i can see the Hawks as the better partner for extending the Boston title window… Sadiq Bey wants more than $15M/yr so he became a trade ship for Pistons that simple
Jarace Walker just seems like beef stew 2.0. I’d rather have Cam. He seems better off ball and would pair well with Cade and Ivey. He still has the defensive upside too.
Stop the nonsense ….. if Rockets don’t take Amen. Then you jump on him. Otherwise it’s Hendricks. He’s the best big in this draft. And the kid can shoot. You draft him then you can trade Stewart for a young shooter.
I don’t see Miller dropping past #3, regardless of whether the teams currently drafting #2 and #3 want him. Too much value to leave on the table. Do a trade.
Walker will likely keep rising until the draft, maybe even to #4. To me, he’s the most intriguing prospect in this draft. I haven’t seen the full set of perimeter skills consistent with his 3/4 designation. If he does have those skills, and can play the 3, then I think he has superstar potential. He’s the best athlete among the 3/4 F’s in the last 5 drafts. He’s the first guy given a Kwahi Leonard comp that actually has the same (or better) measurables.