THE 2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft is rapidly approaching, with each team making their final preparations ahead of adding some young talent to the best competition in the world.

There is some seriously impressive young talent available, with the crop stretching all around the globe as more international players begin to gain recognition. Suddenly, the collegiate system is not the only method to joining the NBA, which has allowed a broader range of players to compete at the top level.

With the NBA wrapping up the 2023/24 season as we speak, the teams already eliminated have spent the past few weeks considering which players they will select to prepare for the future, and the recent Draft Lottery saw the official order determined.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be taking a look at each team and how their draft will potentially pan out on June 26-27. With all 30 sides in their own unique situation, there is plenty to unpack ahead of the next injection of exciting players.

The final team on the list for the week is the Detroit Pistons, who would consider themselves unlucky after falling from the best odds to secure the top pick to the fifth selection overall.

Detroit Pistons

Draft Selections

5, 54

Contracted Players

Evan Fournier (team option), Cade Cunningham (team option), Ausar Thompson, Jaden Ivey (team option), Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Duren (team option), Troy Brown Jr. (team option), Marcus Sasser, Quentin Grimes (team option)

The Pistons endured another tough season, and slumped to the worst record in the NBA as the length of the rebuild continues to take its toll. However, the draft offers another opportunity to add more young talent and perhaps fast-track the process.

The most likely selection for Detroit at the fifth pick is Matas Buzelis, who could not only be the best player in the draft when all said and done, but is an excellent fit for the Pistons’ current roster.

Buzelis is a shotmaking forward who can operate off the ball next to Cunningham and Ivey, and would slot in nicely to the team’s starting lineup. Next to Thompson as well, he would be a serious one-two punch in the frontcourt.

Although he can turn the ball over in the halfcourt at times, he has the capability to further develop his perimeter shooting, and if he can, it will be just about a perfect fit for the Pistons given the young talent they already have.

With their final pick, the Pistons will be eager to find a diamond in the rough at the bottom end of the draft, and wing Justin Edwards could fit the bill as a low-risk, high-reward option. He is a strong passer and has plenty of athleticism which could be a true strength if he can increase his drives to the rim.