Even though it is only January, things just wouldn’t be right without a WAY too early draft needs/prospects article. Just like other early draft speculation articles, the prospects I will list have only played in about 8-12 games a piece. Rankings can change as the season goes on, and so can team needs. With that being said, here are my way too early draft needs and my personal realistic wishlist for the Pistons.
This article will come in 4 installments of 3-4 players.
Note: All stats correct through January 7, shooting splits are FG%/3PT%/FT%. OWs/DWs = Offensive Win Shares/Defensive Win Shares
HM. Paul Scruggs – PG, Xavier, Senior
2020-21 Stats: 14.4 PPG (47.9/37.0/82.9), 3.6 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.9 SPG, Win Shares (1.2/0.7)
Paul Scruggs is a veteran point guard who leads Xavier, one of the best teams in the Big East. Although not an elite athlete, Scruggs has the ability to score the ball in a variety of ways. Scruggs fits the model of a three level scorer offensively, although his three point shooting could use work consistency-wise. Averaging over 6 assists per game is no small feat as a college point guard, but Scruggs uses his excellent playmaking ability to set up opportunities for his teammates – showing off a career high 36.5% assist rate.
Scruggs has limited his turnovers and personal fouls since his junior year, hinting at better ball skills and an improved Basketball IQ. He is also a decent positional defender, and is athletic and big enough (6’4, 196) to grow in that area in the NBA. Scruggs has been projected to go in the 2nd Round of the NBA draft.
12. Ron Harper Jr. – SF/SG, Rutgers, Junior
2020-21 Stats: 21.1 PPG (52.6/46.8/58.6), 6.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, Win Shares (1.4/0.4)
Ron Harper Jr. has a very mature game compared to many college players (as one might expect due to class). He is one of the best shooters eligible for the 2021 NBA Draft, making them at a 46.8% clip. He is also extremely efficient inside the arc as well, shooting 57.3% on twos, making him a true three level scorer. In the NBA, Harper will project to play either the 2 or the 3 spot as he has a big frame (6’6, 245) and moves around well.
To go with his elite shooting, Harper has a high basketball IQ and is a good rebounder for his position to help him instantly translate to the next level of competition. Harper isn’t an elite playmaker, but can hold his own and create for others if called upon. Defense is not Harper’s strong suit, although that does not mean it won’t be developed in the future.
11. David Duke – SG, Providence, Junior
2020-21 Stats: 19.3 PPG (44.1/41.2/83.1), 6.3 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, Win Shares (1.3/0.5)
David Duke is a very complete guard, and could end up being a 2nd Round steal for whoever takes him. On the offensive side of the ball, Duke boasts an assist ratio of 23.8% and a turnover percent of just 12.9%, both career bests. He has consistently improved his shooting percentages every year at Providence even with an elevated usage. He has shown he can run an offense from the 2 guard spot and can handle being a 1st option (at least at the college level).
Duke is also an great rebounder for his size – he pulls down 6.3 boards per game to complement his scoring prowess. He has some work to be done when it comes to his defense, but his frame (6’5, 205) provides promise in this area with some coaching. Expect Duke to get all-Big East honors this year at the Shooting Guard position.
10. Keyontae Johnson – SF, Florida, Junior
2020-21 Stats: 16.0 PPG (64.1/42.9/78.6), 4.5 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, Win Shares (0.3/0.2)
Keyontae Johnson is an extremely talented forward who if not for his health concern (read about this here), was a sure shot at a 1st round pick. Johnson is an energy player who is a plus on both sides of the floor. But do not let the stats fool you… Johnson’s rebounding and defense are just a few of his calling cards which will guide him to seeing the floor in the NBA. He has averaged at least 6.4 rebounds per game in his last two seasons, while adding more than 1.6 defensive win shares in each season as well.
Johnson is a very efficient scorer for his position, shooting 64.1% from the floor, and his three point accuracy has steadily increased during his time at Florida (36.5% as a freshman, 38.0% as a sophomore). He is not a special distributor, but passing isn’t a focal point of his game. Johnson has also uncharacteristically struggled through 4 games with his turnover numbers, but they should go down once he sees the floor again. Johnson’s body (6’5, 229), to go along with his shooting and defense can make him a good 3 and D wing at the NBA level.
Piston Territory 