NBA Draft 2017: 5 players that were taken by the wrong team

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Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Luke Kennard (Duke) is introduced by NBA commissioner Adam Silver as the number twelve overall pick to the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Luke Kennard, SG, Detroit Pistons

This pick just didn’t make much sense for where the Detroit Pistons were drafting. Yes, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is the incumbent starting shooting guard, but he’s hitting restricted free agency. Per all expectations, KCP is expected to return to the Pistons and continue to be in the same role.

Caldwell-Pope doesn’t bring a whole lot on the offensive end, but shows up on the defensive side of the court. In his four years with the Pistons, the former Georgia star has developed his shooting. With that kind of young player in the fold, it doesn’t make sense why the Pistons would invest such a high draft pick in Kennard.

Kennard is a fantastic offensive player, especially from 3-point range. The Duke sophomore shot well from deep, while averaging 19.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in the ACC. He’s also a fantastic ball handler, especially in pick-and-roll situations.

But Kennard’s defense still makes you want more and that’ll be a liability on Detroit. They are able to hide some of their flaws currently because Caldwell-Pope is a plus defender, so what happen when Kennard steps on the floor? Hopefully, the Duke star will be able to improve on that end of the floor and become more of a two-way player. Donovan Mitchell would have been a great selection for the Pistons here.

Detroit also has Tobias Harris and Stanley Johnson at the wing positions, yet they continue to invest lottery picks there. Kennard brings a different dimension, but he would be a much better fit in a different city.