Pistons not expect elite shooters to fall to No. 21

Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon believes the changing landscape of college basketball has had a noticeable impact on the depth of the 2026 NBA Draft class.

Speaking about this year’s draft pool, Langdon noted that lucrative NIL opportunities have convinced a number of prospects to remain in college, reducing the overall talent available to NBA teams.

He also expressed doubt that one of the draft’s top shooting prospects will still be available when Detroit is on the clock with the 21st overall pick.

“It’s pretty hard to find a good shooter at 21. They usually don’t get there,” Langdon said.

Rather than targeting a specific skill set, Langdon indicated the Pistons will focus on selecting the best overall talent available while considering how that player fits the organization’s long-term plans.

“Maybe we can add play-making. For us, it’s who’s the best player is what we’ll look at. Does that player fit this environment? Does he fit the identity? Maybe it’s not next year, but in the future.

“We have players who’ll get expensive and we’re going to have to have players who hit and can help this team.”