Pistons Land Duke Standout in Latest Mock Draft

The 2026 NBA draft is getting closer, and it’s an important one for the Detroit Pistons. For two years now, the team has made the playoffs, but they haven’t been able to get over that hump to get to the Finals.

That needs to change, and it starts with new talent. In a mock out on Saturday, May 23, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report names his projections for the upcoming draft. He has the Pistons going with small forward Isaiah Evans out of Duke.

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“Detroit’s offense needs a lot of things, but breathing room sits near the top of the wish list,” he states in the piece. “Evans’ sharpshooting and off-ball activity could give oxygen to this group. He might only fit a specialist role for the time being, but the growth of his off-the-dribble game suggests more creation could be coming at some point.”

My Analysis: Isaiah Evans to the Pistons

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Evans may not develop into some elite playmaker, but that probably won’t bother the Pistons much, and it shouldn’t. They already have the great Cade Cunningham handling most of the playmaking duties, so they don’t totally need another guard dominating the ball.

What they really need is someone who can play off Cade, sink shots and help on defense. That kind of fit could end up being just as valuable.

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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 10:24 AM.