Photo: Zachary Taft ~ Imagn Images
DETROIT ~ The Detroit Pistons made a move on draft night, trading up from No. 21 to No. 17 to select Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie. Coming off a 60-win season and the top seed in the Eastern Conference, Detroit entered the draft looking to strengthen its backcourt. Instead of staying put, the Pistons sent three future second-round picks to move up and secure a player they clearly valued.
Okorie arrives after a productive college season in which he averaged 23.2 points per game while shooting 46.5% and 35.4% from 3-point range. At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, he profiles as a scoring guard capable of creating his own shot and handling secondary playmaking duties. His efficiency and scoring output should help address Detroit’s need for another reliable perimeter option alongside its primary ballhandlers.
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(CONTINUED) The Pistons stayed active on Day 2 of the draft as well, acquiring Virginia center Ugonna Onyenso with the No. 53 overall pick. The 7-footer brings size and defensive upside after averaging 6.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 blocks last season, ranking among the nation’s best rim protectors. His presence gives Detroit another interior defensive option as the team continues to build out its frontcourt rotation.
This draft haul gives Detroit a more balanced and versatile roster heading into next season. Okorie adds another scoring threat on the perimeter, which should help take pressure off the team’s primary creators and improve overall offensive flow. Meanwhile, Onyenso addresses a key defensive need by providing rim protection and depth in the paint.
