2019 NBA Draft: Full Mock Draft 2.0, Atlanta Hawks Pick #4 and #10, Lakers Win Lottery
By Chris Guest
#15. Detroit Pistons – PJ Washington
The Detroit Pistons have a long history of players that care little for what others think of them. Just look at two of the most successful eras in team history: The Bad Boys of Isiah Thomas, Bill Laimbeer, Dennis Rodman and others of the late 80s and early 90s and the 2004-05 team that effectively ended Kobe Bryant/Shaquille O’Neal Lakers dynasty of the early 2000s.
Both of those teams were filled with brilliant players who played with a mean streak and confidence that couldn’t be shaken off. With the first non-lottery pick of the 2019 NBA Draft, the Pistons hope to regain some of that confidence with the selection of PJ Washington out of Kentucky.
Washington broke out in a big way in his sophomore season, legitimizing his decision to return to school after an unassuming freshman campaign. Washington was the best player on Kentucky, and he continued to get better throughout the season – transforming into a terrifying force as the NCAA Tournament rolled around:
Washington produced per-40 minute statistics of 20.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.7 blocks all with a 59.2 percent true shooting percentage and 42.3 percent clip from deep per College Basketball Reference.
Not only that, but Washington carries himself with a nastiness that would help bring that sort of “chip on his shoulder” culture that has made the Pistons multiple-time champions over the past 3 decades.