Detroit Pistons 2009 Draft

After 6 six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances, the Pistons barely made the playoffs this season and were ousted in the first round by the Cavaliers. Detroit now joins teams such as Charlotte, Chicago, Indiana, and Milwaukee who will always be in the hunt for the 7th or 8th seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. The Pistons have four picks this season.

At pick #15 the Pistons should draft:
BJ Mullens - Ohio State
C
7'0" 258 lbs.

Mullens is the 2nd tallest athlete in the draft this season and had a good freshman year at Ohio State. Mullens becomes the 3rd consecutive Ohio State freshman center to declare for the draft (Oden, Koufos). Mullens compares to Chris Kaman. Mullens is a big man with a smooth offensive repertoire, including drop steps , face the basket skills and good touch. Critics point to the fact that he hasn't developed into a center that dominates every time out.

At pick #35 the Pistons should draft:
Jonas Jerebko - Sweden
SF
6'9" 220 lbs.

Jerebko, being a 6'9" SF, could learn a lot from players like Rasheed Wallace and Rip Hamilton and even Allen Iverson. These guys are veterans that are all great aggressive shooters. Jerebko has this potential, not all-star potential, but potential to be a good aggressive shooter. Jerebko's biggest weakness is his poor rebounding and jumping abilities for a man who is 6'9".

At pick #39 the Pistons should draft:
DeMarre Carroll - Missouri
SF/PF
6'8" 207 lbs.

Missouri was a huge surprise this season in NCAA basketball and Carroll was a huge part of this. Though undersized for the NBA PF position, he would make a solid backup SF because of his aggressive rebounding ability. His biggest weakness would have to be his midrange shot and inconsistency.

At pick #44 the Pistons should draft:
Leo Lyons - Missouri
PF
6'9" 235 lbs.

Lyons was another huge reason for Mizzou's surprising rise to contendability, if that is even a word. He is a good-sized NBA PF who would be a solid backup to Rasheed after a season in the NBDL and would be a good eventual replacement for Rasheed. His weakness is also his inconsistent jumpshot, though he has great hustle and desire for the ball when it is loose.

Predicted 2009-2010 record: 36-46