Detroit Pistons Expected to Select Auburn Star Guard in NBA Draft, Signaling New Direction for Rebuilding Franchise’s Backcourt Future

For years, the Detroit Pistons have lingered in the shadowy depths of NBA irrelevance. Once a proud franchise known for its grit, defense, and championship pedigree, Detroit has struggled to recapture the magic of its past. However, with the 2025 NBA Draft on the horizon, there is growing anticipation that the Pistons are about to make a franchise-altering decision by selecting one of college basketball’s most dynamic and electrifying guards: the standout from Auburn University.

The prospect in question has been turning heads since the early stages of the 2024-25 college basketball season. His speed, scoring ability, on-court vision, and defensive tenacity have made him a top target for NBA scouts, especially those representing lottery-bound teams searching for foundational pieces. Detroit, still reeling from a disappointing season marked by inconsistency and a lack of identity, views this Auburn guard as a key building block for the future.

Sources close to the Pistons’ front office suggest that they are all-in on acquiring a guard who can ignite the offense and serve as a leader in the backcourt. With Killian Hayes no longer in the long-term plans and Cade Cunningham needing a complementary piece who can alleviate the pressure of playmaking duties, this Auburn guard checks every box for Detroit. His ability to score in isolation, attack the rim, and create space with his handle adds a layer of explosiveness that has long been absent in Detroit’s offense.

The guard’s journey to this point is one of development, discipline, and determination. At Auburn, under head coach Bruce Pearl, he flourished in a system that allowed him to showcase his full repertoire. He averaged over 18 points per game in his final season, while shooting nearly 38 percent from beyond the arc and playing tough perimeter defense. His basketball IQ and leadership made him the emotional heartbeat of a Tigers team that consistently outperformed expectations. Analysts have praised his decision-making and late-game composure, two critical attributes for a young player entering the high-pressure world of the NBA.

Detroit’s current roster is brimming with young talent, but much of it remains unproven or inconsistent. Jaden Ivey, drafted just two seasons ago, has shown flashes but is still developing into a more complete player. Cade Cunningham, while talented, has dealt with injuries and can’t be expected to carry the team on his own. The addition of the Auburn guard brings immediate competition, versatility, and perhaps most importantly, a spark.

General Manager Troy Weaver is entering a pivotal offseason. With fans growing restless and questions swirling about the team’s direction, this draft selection could define his tenure. Weaver has consistently preached patience and development, but patience wears thin when results remain stagnant. This draft, and this pick in particular, could shift the narrative. By choosing the Auburn guard, Weaver sends a clear message: the Pistons are done waiting and are ready to build around explosive talent.

It’s also worth noting how well this Auburn guard fits into Detroit’s long-standing identity. The Pistons have never been known for flash and glamour. Their championship teams—both in the late 1980s with the “Bad Boys” and in 2004 with the blue-collar unit led by Chauncey Billups and Ben Wallace—were built on toughness, defense, and hustle. This guard, while undoubtedly gifted offensively, also brings an edge. He’s not afraid of contact, embraces the challenge of guarding elite players, and shows leadership qualities uncommon for a player his age. He plays with an intensity that Detroit fans will recognize and embrace.

This expected selection also holds significance beyond the court. Detroit is a city hungry for a sports resurgence. The Lions have finally found their groove under Dan Campbell, and the Tigers are showing promise with a new generation of talent. The Pistons, meanwhile, are desperate to join that resurgence. Selecting the right player—one who not only brings talent but also fits the city’s culture—could breathe life back into the franchise. This Auburn guard, already beloved in the college ranks for his competitiveness and humility, could become the face of that revival.

There are, of course, no guarantees in the draft. Every year, highly touted prospects struggle to make the leap to the pros. But this particular guard’s body of work suggests that he’s more NBA-ready than most. His physical maturity, combined with a relentless work ethic, makes him less of a gamble than some of his peers. Scouts rave about his film study habits, his willingness to learn, and his adaptability—traits that often determine which players thrive at the next level and which ones falter.

From a tactical standpoint, pairing him with Cade Cunningham creates intriguing possibilities. Both players can handle the ball, shoot from the perimeter, and make smart decisions in the pick-and-roll. Cunningham’s size and vision complement the Auburn guard’s quickness and shot creation. The result could be one of the league’s most balanced young backcourts. Coach Monty Williams, known for his player development prowess, would relish the opportunity to mold this tandem into something special.

There’s also a financial and strategic angle to consider. Rookie contracts for first-round picks are relatively affordable under the NBA’s salary cap, allowing Detroit to use its remaining cap space to target veterans in free agency or facilitate trades. If this Auburn guard lives up to expectations, Detroit can accelerate its rebuild by surrounding its young core with experienced, high-IQ players who understand how to win in the NBA.

Perhaps most importantly, this pick would reenergize the fan base. Little Caesars Arena has too often been a quiet venue, with empty seats and little buzz. But a dynamic rookie with SEC pedigree and highlight-reel potential could change that. Detroit fans appreciate hustle and effort as much as they do scoring. If this Auburn guard brings both, he’ll be an instant fan favorite.

On draft night, expect the camera to linger on the Pistons’ war room. Expect Troy Weaver to smile a little wider when he hears the Auburn guard’s name called. Expect excitement across Detroit’s sports radio waves, Twitter threads, and neighborhood barbershops. Because if the Pistons get this right—and all signs suggest they believe they will—it won’t just be the selection of a talented basketball player. It’ll be a turning point. A shift from frustration to hope. A decision that says, finally, the Pistons are ready to rise again.

The young man from Auburn, soon to don the red, white, and blue of one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, will carry more than just expectations. He’ll carry the hopes of a city yearning for relevance, a team searching for leadership, and a fan base starved for something to believe in. If he plays with the same heart in Detroit that he did on the hardwood of the SEC, the Pistons might finally have found their next great guard—and perhaps, their future.