Detroit Pistons: Potential draft targets later in the 2021 NBA Draft
By Tejas Bedi
Detroit Pistons draft prospect Joshua Primo, G, Alabama
Joshua Primo is entering the draft at only 18 years of age with great upside, but it might take him a while to get there. Primo only scored 8 points per game in his freshman year as he deferred to more experienced players on an incredibly talented Alabama team.
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Despite his modest numbers, Primo’s scoring will be his calling card in the NBA. In college, he mainly played off the ball and did an outstanding job there.
He excelled at finding space in the defense and can get his shot off very quickly. If the defense over commits to the jumper, he can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. Once he does, he is smart and knows when to shoot or move the ball.
The issue with Primo is just the lack of production at Alabama due to being behind talented upperclassman.
He played nearly entirely on the perimeter and wasn’t asked to create his shot very often. However, in high school and the draft combine, he definitely showed the ability to do that. He was skilled at running the pick and roll in high school and did a great job finishing at the rim and in the mid-range.
On defense, he is a solid team defender but will need to bulk up to defend in the NBA. Primo might need a year or two in the G league to allow his game and body to develop. If they do, the Pistons could have an incredibly exciting combo guard who can shoot it from deep and put the ball on the floor.
With three second-round picks, the Detroit Pistons should have a great opportunity to add another piece to their exciting young core.
They could add a shot-creating wing in Zaire Williams, an explosive scorer in Bones Hyland, a 3-D wing in Trey Murphy, or a high upside combo guard in Johsua Primo. All these players could greatly benefit the team in both the short term and long term.
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With a talent evaluator like Troy Weaver, it wouldn’t be surprising at all to see the Pistons land another high-impact rookie late in the draft.