Matas Buzelis: The Fifth Pick Fix for The Detroit Pistons?

The NBA draft lottery was held this past Sunday, and the Detroit Pistons got shafted again. After finishing the season with the worst record and the highest odds to pick first, the Pistons dropped to five. The Atlanta Hawks (3% chance) jumped to #1 overall. Washington, Houston (via Brooklyn), and San Antonio will all pick ahead of the Pistons. The Pistons are the first team in history to have the highest odds of choosing #1 to fall to #5 in consecutive years. Pistons fans were quite upset, but in all actuality, should they be?

The 5th pick these past two seasons has been good for the Pistons. Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson are integral parts of what the Pistons are building for the future. Thompson could be one of the better defenders in the NBA, while Jaden Ivey is an exceptional talent at the guard position. People call this 2024 draft lackluster regarding talent, which could put Detroit in an intriguing place. If you are in charge of the Pistons, what do you do with the 5th pick in the draft?

The mock draft says…

The Detroit Pistons will select Matas Buzelis from the G-League Ignite. Buzelis, a 6’10” guard/forward, brings a mix of shotmaking versatility, ball-handling, and athleticism to the Pistons. In 26 games for the G-League Ignite, Buzelis averaged 14.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks in 32 minutes. Buzelis shot 44% from the field, 27% from the three, and 68% from the line.

Where can Matas Buzelis excel In Detroit?

With his ability to handle the ball and initiate the offense, Buzelis can be what Cade Cunningham needs offensively. While Cunningham is improving his point guard skills, Cade is at his best as a scorer. Matas Buzelis’ ability to create and make shots will also help a Pistons team that needs guys who could do that outside of Cunningham. He also has the potential to be an outstanding defensive player. You don’t mistakingly average 2.1 blocks per game by being a bad defender. A Buzelis/Thompson pairing on the defensive end can be just what the Pistons and their 26th-ranked defense needs.

What should Pistons fans be concerned about with Matas Buzelis?

Buzelis shot 26% from the three-point line in his only season with the Ignite. When you consider that Ausar Thompson shot an anemic 18% from the three-point line in his rookie season, Pistons fans are skeptical about drafting another wing guy who can’t shoot from the perimeter. This season with the Ignite could’ve been a fluke year for Matas Buzelis, but the concerns are now on record. Buzelis also lacks the superstar impact on the court to be a true game-changer. He averaged just two free throws per game for the Ignite, and when the Ignite was clicking, Buzelis played more of a background role.

What should the Pistons do?

In my piece last week, the Pistons should be looking to trade the pick no matter where it lands. It’s cool to have those young players with all the potential in the world to be something great, but eventually, you need some veterans out there to balance things out. The core of Cunningham, Ivey, Thompson, Duren, and Stewart is solid. Each guy has its flaws that I would love to see them work on this summer to be better, but each player has a solid foundation to be a key contributor.

The Pistons have depth at the point guard, shooting guard, and small forward position. Power forward and Center need more depth, but I would like to see those positions added upon in free agency rather than the draft. If you can’t find a trade partner to move down and acquire future assets, Matas Buzelis is a solid choice at #5. The small forward position will be one player deeper and allow versatility for Thompson, Fontecchio, and Buzelis to play some “small-ball four.” Where I had issues with Thompson and Fontecchio playing power forward, Buzelis, I believe, has the potential to do it. He has the height and the defensive pedigree to be effective. Considering his height, his frame is a bit smaller, but he’ll get stronger as the season goes along.

In Conclusion.

The Pistons are going to be okay. I know the fan base is upset about being shafted of the #1 pick again, but there’s always a brighter side to negative headlines. That said, it’s essential to make splashes that are taken seriously in this retool. Seeing teams like Oklahoma City & Orlando thrive with a young roster is cause for optimism, but it doesn’t always turn out that way. The Pistons tried it, and they failed.

Could you make the move(s) you feel will balance out this team? If Matas Buzelis is the guy, then select him. What If a guy falls that you had scouted high? Draft him. If you feel no player can change the trajectory of winning for you this season, trade the pick. No matter what’s done with this pick, the Pistons faithful will be watching and ready to commend or scold the decision.

What would you do with the fifth pick if you were the Pistons GM? Let’s talk about it.

Instagram: Rone2Xcluzive
X: Daytona360_
Email: daytona360@10ntheclock.com