NBA Draft 2016: Grades for every team

Detroit Pistons

Picks: No. 18 Henry Ellenson, No. 49 Michael Gbinije

Especially after the promise that the Detroit Pistons showed in the 2015-16 season and how they looked like they could be on the cusp of contending in the Eastern Conference if they made the right moves this summer, the 2016 NBA Draft was obviously going to be huge for them. However, the biggest question about them picking at No. 18 was just exactly what prospects would be available for them and how any of those guys would fit in.

As it turns out, the Pistons were given manna from heaven (and not in the ironic David Kahn sense) with the 18th pick in the wild first round as Henry Ellenson out of Marquette continued to slide in the first round. When it came to Detroit, it took less than a split second for them to pull the trigger on taking Ellenson and it’s just the perfect selection for this team as Ellenson is basically a Stan Van Gundy dream.

We all know that SVG likes to have role player big men that can stretch the floor and add unique elements to his offense—and that’s basically the game of Ellenson in a nut shell. While he may be a limited athlete in the highest regard, he’ll be able to stretch the floor as a reserve big man and could really be fun to watch for this team. Throw in the fact that they landed a potential contributor on the wing with Michael Gbinije in the second round and I really love the draft for Detroit.

Final Grade: A-

Next: Warriors