Detroit Pistons Expected to Land Overlooked College Star in NBA Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated May 21, 2025 9:30 PM ET

The Detroit Pistons don't own a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and there are not many reports suggesting that they have any interest in trading up.

With Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, Ron Holland, and Ausar Thompson, the Pistons already have plenty of young talent, although they do have the 37th pick, courtesy of the Toronto Raptors.

In a recent mock draft published by ESPN, the Pistons select Auburn sixth man Tahaad Pettiford.

Pettiford averaged 11.6 points and three assists per game for the Tigers, and shot a solid 36.6 percent from deep. He wasn't given massive minutes, although he could be a volume scorer if he realizes his potential.

At only 19 years old, he has plenty of room to improve and could compete with Marcus Sasser for backup guard minutes. If Malik Beasley and Dennis Schroder both stay in town, then his role will remain small, although if the Pistons draft him, there should be reason to have optimism.

He is undersized and is a true shot-chucker, so concerns about his selection are very valid. However, he can create off the dribble well and can get very, very hot, pouring in buckets from all over the court.

He is a crafty scorer in traffic and can get to the rim or settle for floaters. As a second-round pick, if he doesn't pan out, it's a net neutral for the Pistons, although after playing for the renowned Auburn Tigers, there is reason to believe he is one of the better second-round prospects in the draft.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: