2013 NBA Draft: Detroit Pistons Host C.J. McCollum, Micheal Carter-Williams

November 13, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Lehigh Mountain Hawks guard C.J. McCollum (3) handles the ball against pressure by Pittsburgh Panthers guard Tray Woodall (1) during the first half at the Petersen Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Pistons hosted guards C.J. McCollum and Micheal Carter-Williams at the Palace on Wednesday.  The Detroit News is reporting that McCollum and Carter Williams were in Auburn Hills to meet with Pistons brass ahead of the 2013 NBA Draft on Thursday June 27th at New Jersey’s Barclay Center.

C.J. McCollum is considered one of the top guard prospects in the draft.  Most mock drafts have McCollum being selected anywhere between the 6th and the 9th picks which would make him available for the Pistons at 8.  The Orlando Magic, rumored to be targeting guards, have shown interest in McCollum along with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Portland Trailblazers.  C.J. McCollum is a combo guard who can flat-out score.  He has great movement off the dribble and can score from anywhere on the floor. He averaged 21.9 points in 3 1/2 seasons at Lehigh.

Apr 6, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Michael Carter-Williams (1) puts up a shot defended by Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4) in the second half of the semifinals during the 2013 NCAA mens Final Four at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Micheal Carter-Williams is more distributor than scorer and considered a true point guard. Chad Fords latest mock draft has Carter-Williams going #8 to the Sacramento Kings. This despite reports that the Kings were not impressed with Carter-Williams workout. Other teams with interest include the Portland Trailblazers and Orlando Magic. NBAdraft.net describes Carter-Williams as having “High level passing ability … Tremendous length and height for his position combined with a high basketball IQ.” but also expresses concern about his upside.  Being a senior, his ceiling may be limited at this point.

The Detroit Pistons interviews of McCollum and Cater-Williams so close to the draft show the Pistons interest addressing the guard position.  They seem to be in a great draft slot to address that need considering the two of the three top guards in the draft may be available at #8.

Draft experts are predicting the Pistons will select Michigan point guard Trey Burke but Burke has yet to interview or work-out with the Pistons. With the draft less than a week away to has been virtually unpredictable because of the lack of a consensus #1 pick. Despite that, Joe Dumars seems to be narrowing the field of players he will select from and it seems the Pistons General Manager is focusing on the back-court.