Detroit Pistons fall to No. 5 pick in 2024 NBA draft lottery
The Detroit Pistons continued their bad lottery luck Sunday, ending up with the No. 5 pick in the NBA draft lottery, marking the second year in a row the franchise slid down the board despite finishing with the NBA's worst record.
Either way, it's a better result than last year considering the Pistons fell a maximum four spots to fifth in 2023, missing out on the franchise-altering opportunity to draft Victor Wembanyama. If there's any solace to not winning the lottery, it's that there's no Wembanyama-equivalent talent in this year's class. It's considered one of the weakest draft classes in recent memory, and Detroit could conceivably still get its top prospect despite the slide.
REQUIRED DRAFT READING: 2024 NBA draft lottery lacks fanfare, but will set tone for new Detroit Pistons regime
It's the fourth year in a row the Pistons will have a top-five pick after selecting Ausar Thompson last year, Jaden Ivey fifth in 2022 and Cade Cunningham first overall in 2021. Several talented wings and bigs will likely be available in Detroit's range, including French forward Zaccharie Risacher and Tennessee bucket-getter Dalton Knecht.
This year's draft selection will likely be made by Detroit's incoming head of basketball operations. The Pistons are a month into a nationwide search to fill the position, which will bring a new vision to the front office following a franchise-worst 14-68 record. They will have the power to reshape the front office, leaving general manager Troy Weaver's future in doubt following four seasons with the team.
The first round of the 2024 draft will take place on June 26. Detroit also has the 53rd overall pick, which will be made in the second round of the draft on June 27.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons fall to No. 5 pick in 2024 NBA draft lottery
