Detroit Pistons: Options for the 16th overall pick in the first-round

The Detroit Pistons made a splash before the draft even started, acquiring another first-round pick. Take a look at some of the options they have.

According to Woj, the Detroit Pistons are receiving Trevor Ariza and the 16th pick for a future first-round pick. The future first is heavily protected and could likely end up as just second-round picks per James Edwards of the Athletic.

Houston was strapped for cap space, and the Pistons wisely used their abundance of cap space to pick up a valuable asset. Now, here are some options for the Pistons to use the 16th pick on.

Kira Lewis Jr, PG, Alabama

Speed is the name of the game for Kira Lewis Jr. He has incredible speed in both transition and half-court. With that speed, he does a great job blowing by defenders to get to the rim. To pair with that, he is also a gifted shooter. He can catch and shoot very well, and he can use his speed to set himself up for pull up jumpers.

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Lewis will need to bulk up in order to maximize his potential in the NBA.

If he bulks up, he will become much more efficient at finishing at the rim, causing problems against bigger and stronger rim protectors in the NBA.

Plus, his lack of strength could be exposed on defense, where he could be pushed around by stronger guards.

Lewis is still young, only 19 years old, so there is a good chance he will bulk up and become an exciting guard to run the Pistons.

R.J. Hampton, G, New Zealand Breakers

R.J. Hampton is an athletic combo guard who chose to forgo college to play basketball overseas. He struggled playing against professionals, but he has tremendous upside.

He is an explosive and fluid guard who excels at getting to the hoop. His ball-handling is polished as he has various moves that allow him to gain separation and open shots.

Hampton’s jump shot was shaky at best in New Zealand, and it greatly affected his effectiveness. There is belief that he has improved his jumper while prepping for the draft, but it is totally different shooting in a game verse an empty gym. If his shooting comes around, he will be a dangerous combo guard who will be able to get his own buckets.

Saddiq Bey, F, Villanova

Saddiq Bey is a terrific 3 and D prospect out of Villanova. He was a great shooter in college hitting 45% of his threes this past season. Also, like several other Villanova players, he is a tremendous defender. He is a brilliant defender, so he always seems to make the right play on the defensive end. Plus, at 6’8 with a 7’0 wingspan, he appears tailor-made for the switch-heavy NBA.

Bey will likely be a solid player immediately, but he does not have great upside. He is not explosive or elusive with the ball and will not be able to create his own shot in the NBA. Also, his limited athleticism might restrict his ability to become a true lockdown defender.

Despite his limited upside, Bey can be an extremely reliable NBA player who can always be counted on to make smart plays and play hard.

Other Options

1. Devin Vassel, F, FSU
2. Aaron Nesmith, F, Vanderbilt
3. Desmond Bane, F, TCU
4. Tyrell Terry, G, Stanford
5. Tyrese Maxey, G, Kentucky

Conclusion

The Pistons should have a few good options available for them at 16. Their pick will likely depend on who they end up taking at 7. If they take a guard, like Killian Hayes, Bey, or Devin Vassel could be solid options at the wing.

If they take Patrick Williams, they will have a few options at guard like Lewis, Hampton, or even Tyrell Terry. Whoever they take, this seems like a great use of their cap space.