The 2014-15 season for the Detroit Pistons was another year of promise that ended in a complete mess. Not only did they not make the playoffs in a weak Eastern Conference, but they regressed and find themselves back in the NBA Lottery.

This team is loaded with talent with the likes of Brandon Jennings, Reggie Jackson, Andre Drummond, Greg Monroe and the newly acquired Ersan Ilyasova to name a few. With the Josh Smith experiment not working out, they ridded themselves of a player who couldn’t find a niche with this team. Yes, they paid him a ton of money to go away but it seems to be the best for both parties. However, that leaves them with a whole at the small forward position.

Right now the Pistons have 35-year old Tayshaun Prince starting at small forward and three-point specialist Cartier Martin as his backup. This is a position of weakness for Detroit, but luckily for them this draft has plenty of depth to choose from at the position in the first round. With Greg Monroe becoming a free agent the Pistons could also look for depth in the paint. There are some talented players in the second round that could fill that need.

1ST ROUND

Justise Winslow, SF, Duke

Justise Winslow was an intricate part of the Duke Blue Devils run to the National Championship. At Duke, Winslow showed that he was a two-way player as he would constantly make spectacular defensive plays and then convert instant offense on the other end. His jump shot is still a work in progress but as the season went along he became healthier, the heralded freshman knocked down big jump shot after big jump shot. Winslow is an amazing athlete and shows his speed and athleticism on a nightly basis in college. He needs to work on consistency but in his one year at college he visibly showed improvement which gives NBA scouts reason to believe he can be a viable starter at the next level. If Winslow falls to Detroit at the number eight pick, it would be a no-brainer for the Pistons.

Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona

Stanley Johnson might be the most athletic player in this draft. Johnson shows a willingness to play on both sides of the ball, but his strength is on the defensive side. He has all the tools to be a well-rounded offensive player, but like most young players consistency can be an issue at times. What helps Johnson, in regards to transitioning to the next level, is the fact he has an NBA body type. Obviously, being 19-years old he needs to fill out more, but at 6’6” and 242 pounds it won’t take long for Johnson to adapt to the physicality. When you watched Stanley Johnson at Arizona he couldn’t help but remind you of Kawhi Leonard of the Spurs. Those are big shoes to fill but Johnson has all the talent to become that kind of player. He’s not a bad backup plan is Winslow doesn’t fall.

Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin

When you look at the landscape of the current NBA, a player with Sam Dekker’s skill set is starting to thrive and teams are looking to acquire them. Draymond Green has revolutionized the “stretch four” position, and Dekker is a very similar player. The junior out of Wisconsin has the height, 6’9”, to player power forward, while having the athleticism to play on the perimeter at the small forward spot. Dekker is a very solid jumper shooter with room to improve, but his strength is attacking the basket and finishing at the rim. The one thing that could hurt his ability to play the four is his lack of pure strength. One thing the Pistons need is a versatile player and Dekker fits that need. He might not have as high of a ceiling as a Justise Winslow or Stanley Johnson, but this guy thrived in big moments for the Badgers and his uniqueness adds value.

2ND ROUND

Cliff Alexander, PF, Kansas

With Greg Monroe possibly moving on via free agency, the Pistons could use a guy with upside who could someday fill that vacancy. They acquired Ersan Ilyasova, who is a capable starter, but a talent like Cliff Alexander could one day be a serviceable player if developed correctly. What makes Alexander an exciting prospect is his energy and ability to rebound the ball. His lack of height at 6’9” hurts him as being a low post forward on the block, but because he lacks a consistent jumper that seems to be his strength. If Cliff ever develops an offensive game he could be a steal at the 38th overall pick.

Rakeem Christmas, PF, Syracuse

Rakeem Christmas would give the Pistons a player they know what they are going to get. At Syracuse, Christmas was undersized center who used his length and athleticism to be a very good defender and rebounder. He’s not much off an offensive player, but Rakeem does a great job running the floor and finishing at the rim. He doesn’t have a conventional post game which could hurt him, but there is always a spot for a player who brings energy and effort.  Detroit needs depth in the frontcourt and Rakeem Christmas could be a welcomed addition.

Dakari Johnson, C, Kentucky

Dakari Johnson was very good role player for a talented Kentucky Wildcat team, and has the makings of being the same player at the next level. His strength his simple, he’s big at 7’0, 255 pounds, and plays big. Johnson is very unselfish and is always doing the dirty work like rebounding and setting screens. He’s not much of a scorer and there isn’t reason to believe that will come to fruition at the next level. However, the Pistons already have a starting center in Andre Drummond so Dakari Johnson doesn’t need to be anything more than a backup center who gives quality minutes on a nightly basis.