HENDERSON, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 06: Matas Buzelis #13 of G League Ignite attends a news conference after an NBA G League Fall Invitational game against the Perth Wildcats on September 06, 2023 in Henderson, Nevada. Ignite defeated the Wildcats 124-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)For the third year in a row, the Detroit Pistons will have the NBA Draft #5 pick, despite having the worst record in the league. In 2023 and 2022 the picked Asur Thompson & Jaden Ivey respectively, here’s the NBA Draft #5 pick by the numbers.
Since the NBA Draft Lottery was implemented in 1985, there have been 14 players chosen fifth overall to make at least one All Star game, with Darius Garland being the most recent and Scottie Pippen being the first. In addition, six players chosen fifth overall have been inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
All Stars History & Hall of Fame Of The NBA Draft #5 Pick:
- Darius Garland (2019)
- Trey Young (2018)
- De’Aaron Fox (2017)
- DeMarcus Cousins (2010)
- Kevin Love (2008)
- Devin Harris (2004)
- Dywane Wade (2003) HOF
- Vince Carter (1998) HOF
- Ray Allen (1996) HOF
- Kevin Garnett (1995) HOF
- Juwan Howard (1994)
- Steve Smith (1991)
- Mitch Richmond (1988) HOF
- Scottie Pippen (1987) HOF
So I don’t think it’s all doom and gloom for the Pistons who had the worst record in the league this season. This year’s draft is considered the worst since the 2013 draft, that draft did produce NBA All Stars; Giannis Antetokounmpo (2x NBA MVP, selected 15th overall) and Rudy Gobert (4x Defensive Player of the Year, selected 27th overall).
Looking at mock drafts, The Ringer and NBA.com and Bleacher Report have the Pistons taking Lithuanian guard, Matas Buzelis from the G League Ignite. It'll be interesting to see if the consensues is right on the NBA Draft #5 pick by the Detroit Pistons.
What do you want the Pistons to do with the NBA Draft #5 pick? Hit me on social media @itsMeanJean and let me know.
