Vincent Goodwill/ The Detroit NewsAuburn Hills — Brandon Knight is an intriguing prospect for the Pistons, but he brings up a few questions that probably won't be answered anytime soon.
Knight is a stud, flat-out. Short of the Pistons having Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars in their primes, there was no way they would pass on a talent like Knight. Knight didn't appear too happy to hear his name called at number eight, but that was more about the disappointment in not being a top-three pick than being drafted by the Pistons.
One of the most recent times a player slipped to the bottom of the top 10 was 1998, when Kansas' Paul Pierce fell to 10th. Pierce made it his mission to make sure the teams who passed on him for the likes of Michael Olowokandi, Mike Bibby and Kansas teammate Raef LaFrentz would always remember it.
If Knight carries that chip on his shoulder and it translates to the court, it can only help a Pistons franchise in dire need of a competitive identity.
Knight, at 6-foot-3, is a decent size for a point guard. In a league dominated not only by point guard play, but the freedom given by the rules, it's imperative he be able to compete.
He's a good shooter and possesses a fearless attitude that's only matched by his low-key demeanor and intelligence. Pistons president Joe Dumars said the team would put the ball in his hands and allow him to grow.
"He has some characteristics we need to add to this team," Dumars said.
"He's not afraid, wants to take whatever challenge there is."
Knight wants to be a point guard and hasn't shied away from the responsibility. Too many times with the Pistons last season, no one wanted to take accountability for what went on on the floor.
Knight adds to the logjam in the backcourt with Richard Hamilton, Ben Gordon, Rodney Stuckey and Will Bynum. At times it seemed none was happy with his role or minutes, and the addition of Knight would only seem to complicate matters.
However, it gives the Pistons some flexibility to decide what to do with those players, and Dumars made a point to say he'll continue to add young talent
It wasn't a shot at Hamilton per se, but it's no secret Dumars would love to move the Pistons' all-time leading playoff scorer, who's on the downside of his career. The Pistons won't give him away, but they are shopping him.
Knight also takes pressure off Stuckey, who at times didn't want the pressure that came with being a point guard in this city. He didn't like being judged against the standard Thomas and, most recently, Chauncey Billups set, and now he's free from that burden — if he stays.
Knight comes from good stock, and has never buckled under pressure. He hit two game-winners in the NCAA Tournament, and had the unenviable task of following in the footsteps of John Wall, who preceded Knight at Kentucky.
The Pistons went into Thursday night needing a big man, and Knight won't rectify their issues of being among the league's worst in top defensive categories. To the Pistons' credit, they didn't reach for one of the Morris twins just to say they acquired a big man.
It also speaks to their desire to bring back Chris Wilcox, who worked effectively in tandem with Greg Monroe. Ben Wallace will probably return, albeit at a reduced role. With Dumars no longer in handcuffs, he'll make an aggressive attempt to add a talented big man.
Utah, with the addition of Enes Kanter, has a glut of bigs. Derrick Favors, Al Jefferson, Paul Milsap and former Piston Mehmet Okur all demand starters' minutes, which means someone is likely out the door.
A lineup of Knight, Monroe, Austin Daye, Jonas Jerebko and Gordon or Stuckey would be one of the league's most youthful and versatile combinations. Gordon could start at shooting guard or backup, and the Pistons can start building from there.
No matter the reason, circumstances or "luck," the Pistons could have their Knight in shining armor.
Winners
Kings: They took a Ruthian swing — part a three-way deal with the Bobcats and Bucks to pick Jimmer Fredette. From a basketball standpoint, it wasn't the best move. But the future of the Kings in Sacramento is uncertain, and they need something to excite the fans. Fredette will sell tickets, and if they give him free reign, he has a chance to make some noise.
Jazz: After seeming to be set on Brandon Knight, a last-minute change of heart led to Enes Kanter at No. 3. They have a stable of bigs, which gives them flexibility to rebuild. They also had the 12th pick and took Alec Burks, who can flat out score.
Pistons: They didn't reach for big men Markieff or Marcus Morris at No. 8, even as chaos surrounded them and other teams took potential targets. That left Brandon Knight, who is not only capable of playing point guard but wants to play it.
Losers
David Stern: The Prudential Center crowd did not approve of Stern, with a lockout looming. While ratings never have been higher and the game's popularity is rivaling the "Golden Age of the 1980s," Stern still can't steer his owners toward a reasonable agreement that will continue that momentum.
Bucks: Adding the combustible Stephen Jackson to a team coached by the equally combustible Scott Skiles is a risk. Jackson, moved in a three-way deal with Sacramento and Charlotte, could take some ballhandling pressure off Brandon Jennings, but he's aging (33).
Cavaliers: Hard to call a team that took the best player (Kyrie Irving) a loser, but they reached on Texas forward Tristan Thompson. They could've taken Lithuanian player Jonas Valanciunas, who could be the best big man in the draft.
Pistons taking look at Ewing
Former NBA star Patrick Ewing has interviewed for the vacant Pistons coaching job.
Ewing, an assistant with the Orlando Magic, didn't interview in Auburn Hills, according to a source. Ewing spent 18 years in the NBA, most as the New York Knicks' franchise player. Ewing has been an assistant since 2003, with stops in Houston and Washington.
Lawrence Frank, Mike Woodson, Kelvin Sampson and Bill Laimbeer also have interviewed for the job.
vgoodwill@detnews.com
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article
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