Who could Pistons target in second round? Maxime Raynaud leads NBA Draft wish list

New York Times

4 hours ago

The Detroit Pistons have become synonymous with the NBA Draft Lottery since 2010. They've had a top-14 pick for 11 of the last 15 years. Since 2020, the Pistons have had at least a top-seven selection in each draft.
But Wednesday night's first round concluded without Detroit drafting a player for the first time since 2018. In that 2018 season, the Pistons chose Bruce Brown at No. 42 with their lone pick. Now, Detroit owns the 37th pick after watching a night full of prospects go off the board to opposing teams.
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So, who should the Pistons be eyeing on night two of the draft? While Trajan Langdon, Detroit's president of basketball operations, said earlier this week the Pistons wanted the best available player, he was sure to mention 'size for position is important.' Here are seven available prospects who fit that mold.
As the draft was approaching, Raynaud was a player whose name picked up a lot of steam, so I wasn't sure he'd make it to the second round. Raynaud offers length no one on Detroit's roster currently possesses, was a legitimate 3-point shooter last season and is arguably the most versatile offensive player on this list given his size.
For as versatile as Raynaud is, the Pistons aren't drafting for a starter with pick No. 37. He'd likely have time to develop his game while trying to earn a spot in J.B. Bickerstaff's rotation.
While Raynaud's 7-foot frame offers plenty of benefits on the hardwood, that same size leads to natural drawbacks as well. At his size, Raynaud would likely have difficulty guarding the perimeter if he were switched onto a smaller player, and he isn't the most athletic. Two traits that are common for someone of his height, while also weighing 250 pounds.
Raynaud is the most intriguing prospect Detroit may have a chance of snagging, but don't be surprised if Raynaud doesn't make it to No. 37 as well.
Of all the players listed, Fleming has the most unique body type. Although he's 6-8 barefoot, he has a massive 7-foot-5 wingspan. While Fleming was primarily utilized as more of a big at Saint Joseph's, he shot nearly 40 percent on just about five 3-point attempts per game, which shows he can spread the floor.
For as much offensive potential as Fleming has, the focus Bickerstaff requires on the defensive end could foster growth that leads to Fleming becoming a formidable defender as well.
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Fleming is still a raw talent who hasn't shown a ton of shot creation ability for himself or others. But, if he's in the right system with the right coaches around him, Fleming seems to be a player who could also find his way into an NBA rotation within the next few seasons.
Kalkbrenner joins Raynaud as the only other player on this list at least 7-feet tall. Where Kalkbrenner varies from Raynaud most is the defensive side of the ball, where Kalkbrenner blocked the third-most shots of any player in Division I basketball last season.
Kalkbrenner can occasionally step out and knock down triples like Raynaud, but he's usually more tethered to the paint. It should also be noted that Kalkbrenner averaged the second-most points on this list on the best efficiency by a wide margin. He could eventually serve as a solid rotational big for Detroit who offers more rim protection than any Piston not named Isaiah Stewart.
While Kalkbrenner could be a nice fit for Detroit, he's another player I wouldn't be surprised to see taken before the Pistons' pick comes around.
Not only is Marković the only international player on the list, but he's also the youngest. He's still only 19, although he'll be turning 20 on July 12. Which means Marković offers a blend of height and youthfulness that Raynaud and Kalkbrenner don't.
Marković also differs from Ryanaud and Kalkbrenner thanks to his ability to put the ball on the floor. While Raynaud and Kalkbrenner can both occasionally handle if need be, Marković is a legit forward as opposed to a big like the other two. The biggest challenge for Marković at the next level will be his weight and strength.
Though he's nearly a 7-footer, he only weighs 190 pounds. Which means while Marković might offer a different playstyle than Raynaud and Kalkbrenner, both players outweigh Marković by about 60 pounds. Marković possesses intriguing tools, especially offensively, but he'll need to add weight and gain strength in a hurry to be effective.
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Of the guards remaining, Jones has the potential to be the best fit long term. He's a lefty guard who has a real feel for the game, and he's progressed in each of his seasons at Marquette. Jones has a knack for getting to the basket and is a crafty finisher around the rim, although he isn't much of a high flyer.
Jones had the worst 3-point shooting season of his career last year, although he still made about 31 percent on just over six attempts per game. While that may not be the best on paper, he's a 36.6 career shooter from long range and he's had two seasons at Marquette shooting at least 39 percent from deep.
If he's available, he could be a respectable option for the Pistons as a backup guard.
Dixon is the oldest player on this list. I know the older a prospect is, the less attractive they become based on potential. But Dixon, to me, is an older prospect worthy of serious consideration.
He's shooting over 40 percent from deep on over seven attempts this season, and has been hovering around 35 percent from long range over his last three seasons. Defensively, Dixon could face challenges at the next level due to his lack of athleticism and lateral quickness. Dixon was listed at 265 while at Villanova, so trimming weight could bode well for his overall athleticism.
Dixon is one of the more risky picks given his age and not being a clear-cut position in the NBA, but he's worth at least taking a hard look at.
Not only is Brea the best shooter on this list, but he was arguably one of the best 3-point shooters in the nation last season. Though he averaged only 11.6 points, he did so on 47/43.5/91.4 shooting splits — not far off from the ever-so-coveted 50/40/90 shooting splits the league's best shooters desire.
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Brea has a 6-foot-6 frame without shoes and a skill set, although relatively limited, that's always sought out in the association. He's also not the most athletic and doesn't have great lateral quickness, so Brea will see a learning curve on the defensive end next season.
But Brea's ability to shoot the ball is so lethal, he might find that skill buys him time to improve defensively.