The Detroit Pistons are expected to make their lone pick in the 2025 NBA Draft Thursday night, holding the 37th overall selection.
It was a quiet first night for the Pistons, who didn’t have a first-round pick this year due to a prior trade, but barring a day-of trade they’ll be the seventh team on the clock for the second round.
President of basketball operations Trajan Langdon emphasized this week the Pistons are likely going to pick best player available on their board, regardless of position.
The Pistons’ starting lineup from last season will largely be intact — with work in free agency still to be done — and picking so late in the draft likely won’t net them an instant starter.
However, Detroit should still be able to find good value in terms of adding immediate depth to any position.
Here are five players that could be a good fit for the Pistons at the No. 37 pick.
Ryan Kalkbrenner, center, Creighton
The national defensive player of the year had some hype as a possible fringe first round pick after averaging 19.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game in his final season at Creighton. He’s dropped back into the second round, but if he remains on the board could be a great pickup for the Pistons. It would give Detroit the chance to add a true 7-footer to their roster who can make an impact on both ends.
If there’s one thing every team in the NBA is looking for its an impact three-point shooter that can come off the bench and change a game. That’s exactly what Brea can bring to the table. While he may not be as well-rounded as others in the draft field, Brea might have the best shot mechanics of anyone in the class. He’s a career 43.5% three-point shooter and led the NCAA in 2023-2024, making 49.8% of his shots from beyond the arc.
As the Pistons shore up a second unit backcourt behind Cade Cunningham, Jones opens the door to play an integral role as a mature combo guard with a strong skillset. The consensus second-team All-American built up his play over the years, adding in more responsibility year-over-year for a team that made the NCAA tournament every season he was on the team. While not an elite athlete, Jones is a savvy player that could really find his footing in the NBA with the right team.
One of the biggest names in college basketball the last two years, Broome’s talent for scoring is undeniable. The 6-foot-9 big man was the best player in the country at times last season, averaging 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.1 blocks in his final year. There’s questions surrounding how his game translates to the NBA, but he’s also the kind of player that can go out in game one of the season and be ready to make an impact. There might not be another player as tenacious or physical on the board for the Pistons.
Chaz Lanier, guard, Tennessee
A true late bloomer in college basketball, Lanier averaged 4.2 points per game across his first three seasons with North Florida before coming into his own as a senior and scoring nearly 20 points a game. That led to a transfer to Tennessee where he had no trouble putting up big numbers, being named the SEC Newcomer of the Year. He’s knows how to open up shots with his movement and is among the best catch-and-shoot players in the class. While he would be unlikely to play the same role he did in college, Lanier has real plus side as a specialist in the NBA for a team like the Pistons.