The Detroit Pistons may have just landed an even more impressive haul this year than Troy Weaver’s first draft as the general manager for the Motor City. We’ve yet to see a grade put to each pick, but that’s why LifeTakes is LifeTakes. Our fans ask us to jump, we ask how high. We don’t back down from a blog, we lavish in the opportunity to bring insight to the minds of our readers.

This past season the Detroit Pistons were in full on “tank” mode. A tank mode that was ran to perfection. Keep the team competitive, allow for the young guns to gain valuable time on the court, build a grind first mentality, but ultimately lose the ball game. With the plan ran to perfection, there was still one hurdle we needed to pass. The DRAFT LOTTERY. Ring the BELL! Big Ben brought home the number one pick. The city erupted with anticipation of how we could build off the fabulous 2020 draft in which we scored two first team all rookie players: Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart. Along with those gems we scored Killian Hayes and Saben Lee who have really found their game throughout the promising 2020 year.

It’s not everyday that you can score a 1/1 player in the draft. Luckily this year we had an almost lock at the first overall pick with Cade Cunningham. A type of player that can instantly come into the city and put Detroit back on the map. “Motor Cade.” Radio broadcasters and NBA reports across the land had ratings to fill, so of course the questions on Cade began to roll in. Is he “our guy”, is he “worth trading”, or even is he enough of a play maker to make a difference. Yes, no, and hell yes.

The city of Detroit rejoiced when the 6’8″ point guard from Oklahoma State was taken one of one last night. Here are my bias grades on the four picks the Pistons made during the draft:

CADE CUNNINGHAM: A+

Athleticism, Passing, Scoring, Defense, Vision, and Maturity. The 19 year old possesses all the attributes to become a face of a franchise quickly. He’s not over worried about his look on and off the court. Instead he is worried about becoming the best basketball player in the league. The type of player that has something to prove and the type you want on your squad.

ISAIAH LIVERS: B+

Michigan basketball season ticket holder over here for the past 10+ years. Livers has been instrumental in the success that U of M hoops has seen these past years. He has a calming effect while on the court. He can board the ball, he can shoot from the perimeter, and you better believe he can defend. Michigan’s own Mr. Basketball is going to stay in the Mitten.

LUKA GARZA: B

6’11” Consensus Naismith Award winner for 2020 season at The University of Iowa. For those that do not know what this award is, it is the BEST player in ALL of college basketball for that year. THE BEST. We drafted, in the eyes of the award council, the best player in the entire NCAA and people are complaining? Because he’s too slow? Can’t guard the three point line? Sure, but now he’s got a chance to prove us all wrong. You take a chance on a player like Garza and you don’t think twice. Of what was available on the board, he was the only pick to make at 52.

BALSA KOPRIVICA: B-

7’1″ Center out of Florida State. High School teammate to Cunningham. I think that aspect played into the fact that the Pistons drafted him. Also, he brings some size into the front court of the Stones. Don’t have much on him at this time, but with the trade of Mason Plumlee, drafting two big men seemed to make the most sense. And that’s that.

OVERALL GRADE: A

Would love to see how these grades hold up against everyone else that will soon be writing a similar blog.

IN TROY WE TRUST!!