The 2021 NBA Draft Lottery had some disappointment and some reason for rejoicing, depending on what organization you root for. The Detroit Pistons won the lottery so to speak were lucky enough to come away with the top overall pick.
The Pistons have not had a lot of luck in draft lotteries, and have not had a top-5 pick since taking Darko Milicic second overall in 2003. That infamous pick has lived in Detroit fans’ minds for quite some time. The chances of another bust happening in this draft with the top overall pick is slim to none, and that’s because the choice is so obvious.
The last time Detroit had a top 2 pick… pic.twitter.com/DSCNva0ELE
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) June 23, 2021
Cade Cunningham is the best choice for the top overall pick and he is a rare talent. At 6’8″ he is a large point guard that can score from just about anywhere on the court. He has skills that not many at his size have and he has the ability to change a franchise if under the right leadership. The Pistons have plenty of young talent to pair Cunningham with after drafting three first-round picks last year.
Congratulations to the @DetroitPistons on the number 1 pick!!!#DetroitUp pic.twitter.com/A0vGKnUNBQ
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) June 23, 2021
Those picks were Killian Hayes, Isaiah Stewart, and Saddiq Bey. They each have turned out to have potential worthy of their selections so far. This is the first top overall pick Detroit has had since 1970. This is going to be a monumental moment for the franchise.
The Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Toronto Raptors followed Detroit in the draft lottery. They should each have great prospects to choose from in this loaded draft class. The rest of the top ten includes two picks for Orlando at 5th and 8th, Oklahoma City at 6th, Golden State at 7th, followed by Sacramento and New Orleans.
Minnesota had quite the drop down to 7th and loses their pick to the Warriors. This will be quite the draft, especially throughout the top-5 picks. The Raptors are big winners, getting into the top-4 and surely drafting one of the great options such as Evan Mobley or Jalen Green with their selection.
The 2021 NBA Draft will take place on Thursday, July 29th.
