Detroit Pistons: Potential draft targets later in the 2021 NBA Draft

Detroit Pistons fans are entering the NBA Draft ecstatic for the opportunity to draft Cade Cunningham with the first overall pick; however, that is not the only pick the Pistons will have as they also have the 37th, 42nd, and 52nd pick(s).

Most likely, the Pistons won’t use all of their selections as there isn’t enough space on their roster for three second-round rookies.

There is a much better chance the Pistons package their picks and trade up back into the first round with a contending team who won’t want to pay a rookies guaranteed salary. Here are some players they might target with a potential trade-up or even their original second-round picks.

Detroit Pistons draft prospect Ziaire Williams, Wing, Stanford

Ziaire Williams is an interesting prospect as he boasts tremendous upside but struggled in his lone year at Stanford, causing him to be projected as high as the low teens to as low as the 30s.

If he does slip out of the lottery, the Pistons should attempt to capitalize and stop his fall in the 20s. On the wing, Williams pairs great size at 6’8 with skillful ball-handling and shot creation. He’s even has shown the ability to make plays for others. On defense, he is best away from the ball where he can jump passing lanes and contest shots at the rim.

Like all players available later in the draft, Williams has his warts. He only shot 37% from the field and 29% from three in his lone college season. He struggled shooting at the rim due to his slender frame and lack of strength. He will need to gain strength to finish consistently against stronger and more athletic interior players in the NBA.

Williams has a good stroke as a shooter, evidenced by his 80% free throw percentage but struggled in college as he was often forced to take tough shots off the dribble. The hope is with easier looks and pro coaching Williams could be a plus shooter in the NBA.

With good coaching, Williams could become a skilled three-level scorer with great size on the wing, which is worth the gamble in the 20s.