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New York Times
26-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Who could Pistons target in second round? Maxime Raynaud leads NBA Draft wish list
The Detroit Pistons have become synonymous with the NBA Draft Lottery since 2010. They've had a top-14 pick for 11 of the last 15 years. Since 2020, the Pistons have had at least a top-seven selection in each draft. But Wednesday night's first round concluded without Detroit drafting a player for the first time since 2018. In that 2018 season, the Pistons chose Bruce Brown at No. 42 with their lone pick. Now, Detroit owns the 37th pick after watching a night full of prospects go off the board to opposing teams. Advertisement So, who should the Pistons be eyeing on night two of the draft? While Trajan Langdon, Detroit's president of basketball operations, said earlier this week the Pistons wanted the best available player, he was sure to mention 'size for position is important.' Here are seven available prospects who fit that mold. As the draft was approaching, Raynaud was a player whose name picked up a lot of steam, so I wasn't sure he'd make it to the second round. Raynaud offers length no one on Detroit's roster currently possesses, was a legitimate 3-point shooter last season and is arguably the most versatile offensive player on this list given his size. For as versatile as Raynaud is, the Pistons aren't drafting for a starter with pick No. 37. He'd likely have time to develop his game while trying to earn a spot in J.B. Bickerstaff's rotation. While Raynaud's 7-foot frame offers plenty of benefits on the hardwood, that same size leads to natural drawbacks as well. At his size, Raynaud would likely have difficulty guarding the perimeter if he were switched onto a smaller player, and he isn't the most athletic. Two traits that are common for someone of his height, while also weighing 250 pounds. Raynaud is the most intriguing prospect Detroit may have a chance of snagging, but don't be surprised if Raynaud doesn't make it to No. 37 as well. Of all the players listed, Fleming has the most unique body type. Although he's 6-8 barefoot, he has a massive 7-foot-5 wingspan. While Fleming was primarily utilized as more of a big at Saint Joseph's, he shot nearly 40 percent on just about five 3-point attempts per game, which shows he can spread the floor. For as much offensive potential as Fleming has, the focus Bickerstaff requires on the defensive end could foster growth that leads to Fleming becoming a formidable defender as well. Advertisement Fleming is still a raw talent who hasn't shown a ton of shot creation ability for himself or others. But, if he's in the right system with the right coaches around him, Fleming seems to be a player who could also find his way into an NBA rotation within the next few seasons. Kalkbrenner joins Raynaud as the only other player on this list at least 7-feet tall. Where Kalkbrenner varies from Raynaud most is the defensive side of the ball, where Kalkbrenner blocked the third-most shots of any player in Division I basketball last season. Kalkbrenner can occasionally step out and knock down triples like Raynaud, but he's usually more tethered to the paint. It should also be noted that Kalkbrenner averaged the second-most points on this list on the best efficiency by a wide margin. He could eventually serve as a solid rotational big for Detroit who offers more rim protection than any Piston not named Isaiah Stewart. While Kalkbrenner could be a nice fit for Detroit, he's another player I wouldn't be surprised to see taken before the Pistons' pick comes around. Not only is Marković the only international player on the list, but he's also the youngest. He's still only 19, although he'll be turning 20 on July 12. Which means Marković offers a blend of height and youthfulness that Raynaud and Kalkbrenner don't. Marković also differs from Ryanaud and Kalkbrenner thanks to his ability to put the ball on the floor. While Raynaud and Kalkbrenner can both occasionally handle if need be, Marković is a legit forward as opposed to a big like the other two. The biggest challenge for Marković at the next level will be his weight and strength. Though he's nearly a 7-footer, he only weighs 190 pounds. Which means while Marković might offer a different playstyle than Raynaud and Kalkbrenner, both players outweigh Marković by about 60 pounds. Marković possesses intriguing tools, especially offensively, but he'll need to add weight and gain strength in a hurry to be effective. Advertisement Of the guards remaining, Jones has the potential to be the best fit long term. He's a lefty guard who has a real feel for the game, and he's progressed in each of his seasons at Marquette. Jones has a knack for getting to the basket and is a crafty finisher around the rim, although he isn't much of a high flyer. Jones had the worst 3-point shooting season of his career last year, although he still made about 31 percent on just over six attempts per game. While that may not be the best on paper, he's a 36.6 career shooter from long range and he's had two seasons at Marquette shooting at least 39 percent from deep. If he's available, he could be a respectable option for the Pistons as a backup guard. Dixon is the oldest player on this list. I know the older a prospect is, the less attractive they become based on potential. But Dixon, to me, is an older prospect worthy of serious consideration. He's shooting over 40 percent from deep on over seven attempts this season, and has been hovering around 35 percent from long range over his last three seasons. Defensively, Dixon could face challenges at the next level due to his lack of athleticism and lateral quickness. Dixon was listed at 265 while at Villanova, so trimming weight could bode well for his overall athleticism. Dixon is one of the more risky picks given his age and not being a clear-cut position in the NBA, but he's worth at least taking a hard look at. Not only is Brea the best shooter on this list, but he was arguably one of the best 3-point shooters in the nation last season. Though he averaged only 11.6 points, he did so on 47/43.5/91.4 shooting splits — not far off from the ever-so-coveted 50/40/90 shooting splits the league's best shooters desire. Advertisement Brea has a 6-foot-6 frame without shoes and a skill set, although relatively limited, that's always sought out in the association. He's also not the most athletic and doesn't have great lateral quickness, so Brea will see a learning curve on the defensive end next season. But Brea's ability to shoot the ball is so lethal, he might find that skill buys him time to improve defensively.
San Francisco Chronicle
26-06-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
The Latest: Who will go in the top 5 of the NBA draft?
The NBA will begin welcoming its new rookie class with the start of the 2025 draft tonight. The Dallas Mavericks bucked huge odds to get the first pick, with only a 1.8% chance of winning the draft lottery. They'll get the first chance to take Cooper Flagg, the freshman who led Duke to the Final Four in his lone college season — and the consensus player of the year. NIL money means fewer early entrants in the NBA draft This year's draft starts with the lowest number of prospects in at least 10 years. It's been four years since college athletes were permitted to profit off the use of their name, image and likeness (NIL), opening the door for athlete compensation that was once forbidden by NCAA rules. It's part of a seismic change that has rippled through college athletics, impacting the NBA: Players willing to 'test the waters' in the draft before returning to school now have a lucrative option to consider against uncertain pro prospects. 'With all the money that's being thrown around in NIL, you're having a lot less players put their names in,' Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon said. 'You're having pretty good players pulling their names out.' More about how NIL money is reshaping the NBA draft The hat game and what it means 'With the 10th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets select ...' That's how NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will introduce the No. 10 pick in the draft, and then awkward hilarity will likely ensue. If past form holds, the player will be given a Rockets cap to wear for his onstage ceremony. Thing is, the guy may never play for the Rockets. This pick will be traded to Phoenix in the Kevin Durant deal when it can be finalized in a couple weeks. Everyone knows it, but until then, it's still officially Houston's pick. So, for pretend purposes, the player will be on stage as a member of the Rockets. It's weird, for sure. But at least that player, forever and ever, will be able to say that he got traded for Durant. That's a neat perk. The 13th pick, not so unlucky The common superstition that 13 is an unlucky number doesn't seem to ring true in NBA drafts. Consider the last 15 years: On average, rookies taken No. 1 average 16.9 points per game, while No. 2 picks average 12.9, No. 3 picks average 12.1 and No. 4 picks average 11.0 points. Next up: No. 13 picks, at 9.8 per game. Some of those 13th picks over that span: Donovan Mitchell, Devin Booker, Tyler Herro, Zach LaVine, Kelly Olynyk and Gradey Dick. Not unlucky whatsoever. Welcome to Flagg Day 'Cooper Flagg Day,' to be specific, if you live in Maine. That's what Gov. Janet Mills proclaimed June 25, 2025, the day Flagg is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft. 'Cooper Flagg's extraordinary talent and dedication to basketball has earned him national acclaim as perhaps the most promising player of his generation. He is a source of tremendous pride for Maine,' Mills said in a statement posted on New Balance's website. The Maine-based apparel company has a partnership with Flagg. 'I have proclaimed today as Cooper Flagg Day, so all the people of Maine can celebrate his achievement, hard work, perseverance, and sportsmanship, which should inspire youth across our state to pursue their dreams with Cooper's signature determination.' Flagg is a native of Newport, Maine, and as a freshman in 2022 led Nokomis High School to its first state basketball championship, earning state player of the year honors. NBA draft's man of mystery Ace Bailey Rutgers forward Ace Bailey has been a bit of a man of mystery with the 18-year-old not holding a public workout for any team ahead of the NBA draft. It's a strategy that has been called out by critics from current NBA players to analysts. Bailey insists just before the NBA draft that he does not have a preferred destination or favorite team. He plans on bringing high energy and promises whoever selects him will be getting a responsible, mature player with high energy no matter the team's record. 'I just leave it up to God,' Bailey said. 'All I can do is play basketball. Control what I can control.' That's about what he told reporters Tuesday during some of the pre-draft festivities. Bailey certainly won't be missed at Barclays Center when his name is called. He is wearing a shirt in his favorite color, red, with a black jacket bedazzled with black jewels to match his shoes. Like many other draft prospects, the inside of his jacket is lined with photos. Oklahoma point guard stylin' and profilin' in Sooners' red Point guard Jeremiah Fears cannot be missed at the NBA draft, not in an outfit representing the University of Oklahoma with his red pants and vest and a Gucci patterned jacket. 'I wanted to show them love on a stage like this,' Fears said of his look. He also wore a pair of chains featuring his last name big and easy to read. Fears said someone gave him a '0' jewelry piece, so he added that to his look for draft night. Fears finished the look with all-black Gucci shoes. Why? 'It just kind of matches my outfit.' Calm before the storm There was a calm in the arena a few hours before the draft started. The 24 tables next to the stage had golden basketballs on them waiting for the draftees and their families and friends. Each table has seven chairs, so draftees have to choose carefully who joins them for their big moment. The league moved the stage to the other side of the court this year which seemed to open up more space on the floor. In the background, there is a lounge area and a mural listing all the NBA teams with a table holding jars of candy. The Mavs don't have another draft pick beyond the No. 1 overall choice The Dallas team, which won the lottery despite just a 1.8% chance to do so, is expected to take former Duke star Cooper Flagg. A dearth of picks is nothing new for Mavs general manager Nico Harrison. He also has a history of waiting around to add picks during the draft. Harrison's widely panned decision to trade beloved superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles for Anthony Davis has shaken the confidence of his fan base. That's probably putting it mildly. The Mavs didn't have a pick for Harrison's first draft in 2021. They almost went through the next draft without a selection before Dallas traded into the second round to get Jaden Hardy. He has been in and out of the rotation in three seasons with the Mavs. If Harrison's history is any indication, don't be surprised if the Mavs make a move to add picks beyond the No. 1 selection. Flagg has a chance to be the next generational talent after Dallas jettisoned Doncic Dallas Mavericks CEO Rick Welts likes to say he has lived three lifetimes in the six months since he took the job. It's time for the next big step in that third life. The Mavs are set to make Cooper Flagg the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft after overcoming a 1.8% chance to win the lottery. The first life for Rick Welts was learning a new city after the longtime NBA executive came out of retirement in December following stints with the NBA and in the front offices in Phoenix and Golden State. The second life was the fallout from the reviled Luka Doncic trade in February. The Mavs were still reeling from that deal when the lottery shocker hit. The prospect of the 18-year-old former Duke star joining Anthony Davis and, eventually, fellow Duke-ex Kyrie Irving has the Mavs feeling almost giddy. Draft night fashion meets blistering heat NBA draft night is all about getting dressed up, with players donning their finest suits for the walk on stage after their name is called. The weather in New York is better suited for shorts and flip-flops. Temperatures soared to 100 degrees (38 Celsius) in the city Tuesday, and little relief is expected Wednesday, making players glad that most of their time would be spent indoors. But even just a few minutes felt like too much. 'First day I got here, I was like 'goddamn.' I was burning up,' said South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles, who wore a jacket and slacks Tuesday. Still, there was no chance he would slip into something more comfortable Wednesday. 'I have no choice but to stick with what I got,' he said. 'It's too late to switch up now. Way too late.' The Atlantic Coast Conference is positioned to have the No. 1 pick in both the NFL and NBA draft Miami quarterback Cam Ward went No. 1 to the Tennessee Titans in April. Now, with Duke's Cooper Flagg set to be the top NBA pick, it could mark only the sixth time a league had both top picks in the same year — and only the second time in two decades. The last time came in 2020, with LSU quarterback Joe Burrow followed by Georgia guard Anthony Edwards giving that distinction to the Southeastern Conference. Before that, it came in 2005 with the Mountain West and a pair of Utah players, quarterback Alex Smith followed by center Andrew Bogut. The other times: the Big Ten in 1994 (Ohio State defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson, Purdue forward Glenn Robinson); the Big Ten in 1979 (Ohio State linebacker Tom Cousineau and Michigan State point guard Magic Johnson); and the Pac-8 in 1969 (USC running back O.J. Simpson and UCLA big man Lew Alcindor, who later changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar). Edgecombe's decked out in black VJ Edgecombe from Baylor is dressed for business at the NBA draft decked out in all black waiting to hear his name called. The 6-foot-4, 193-pound Edgecombe is wearing a black suit with a subtle pattern with a black shirt and tie. The native of Bimini, Bahamas, has a nod to the islands with colors of the flag featured on each of his suit sleeves. Edgecombe says his brother designed the suit, which features photos of family on the lining to bring them to the big stage at the Barclays Center. The big men are set to take a backseat They fall behind the forwards, led by projected No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, and a deep set of guards. Freshmen Khaman Maluach of Duke and Derik Queen of Maryland are the top two bigs in the draft, positioned to be lottery prospects. There's also intriguing size and skillsets with two other freshmen in Georgetown's Thomas Sorber and Georgia's Asa Newell. The list includes St. Joseph's Rasheer Fleming, Michigan's Danny Wolf, Stanford's Maxime Raynaud and French prospect Joan Beringer as first-round candidates. There's a deep well of high-end backcourt talent Rutgers point guard Dylan Harper is the top prospect among the guards, but Baylor's VJ Edgecombe, Texas' Tre Johnson, Oklahoma's Jeremiah Fears and Illinois' Kasparas Jakucionis are all set to be lottery picks. The list includes BYU freshman playmaker Egor Demin, Michigan State combo guard Jase Richardson, and international prospects in Nolan Traoré and Ben Saraf. How the careers of No. 1 NBA draft picks have fared The No. 1 overall pick faces hopes of long-term stardom. Over the past 40 years, some have lived up to those expectations, while others have fallen short. See the career scoring, accolades and accomplishments for top picks since 1985 -- with six league MVPs among them. Draft order for first and second rounds FIRST ROUND: 1. Dallas Mavericks 2. San Antonio Spurs 3. Philadelphia 76ers 4. Charlotte Hornets 5. Utah Jazz 6. Washington Wizards 7. New Orleans Pelicans 8. Brooklyn Nets 9. Toronto Raptors 10. Houston Rockets (from Phoenix via Brooklyn; reported traded to Phoenix) 11. Portland Trail Blazers 12. Chicago Bulls 13. Atlanta Hawks (from Sacramento) 14. San Antonio Spurs (from Atlanta) 15. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Miami via the LA Clippers) 16. Memphis Grizzlies (from Orlando) 17. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Detroit via New York, Oklahoma City and Houston) 18. Washington Wizards (from Memphis) 19. Brooklyn Nets (from Milwaukee via New York, Detroit, Portland and New Orleans) 20. Miami Heat (from Golden State) 21. Utah Jazz (from Minnesota) 22. Atlanta Hawks (from the L.A. Lakers via New Orleans) 23. New Orleans Pelicans (from Indiana) 24. Oklahoma City Thunder (from the L.A. Clippers) 25. Orlando Magic (from Denver) 26. Brooklyn Nets (from New York) 27. Brooklyn Nets (from Houston) 28. Boston Celtics 29. Phoenix Suns (from Cleveland via Utah) 30. L.A. Clippers (from Oklahoma City) SECOND ROUND: 31. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Utah) 32. Boston Celtics (via Washington) 33. Charlotte Hornets 34. Charlotte Hornets (via New Orleans) 35. Philadelphia 76ers 36. Brooklyn Nets 37. Detroit Pistons (via Toronto) 38. San Antonio Spurs 39. Toronto Raptors (via Portland) 40. Washington Wizards (via Phoenix) 41. Golden State Warriors (via Miami) 42. Sacramento Kings (via Chicago) 43. Utah Jazz (via Dallas) 44. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Atlanta) 45. Chicago Bulls (via Sacramento) 46. Orlando Magic 47. Milwaukee Bucks (via Detroit) 48. Memphis Grizzlies (via Golden State) 49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Milwaukee) 50. New York Knicks (via Memphis) 51. Los Angeles Clippers (via Minnesota) 52. Phoenix Suns (via Denver) 53. Utah Jazz (via Los Angeles Clippers) 54. Indiana Pacers 55. Los Angeles Lakers 56. Memphis Grizzlies (via Houston) 57. Orlando Magic (via Boston) 58. Cleveland Cavaliers 59. Houston Rockets (via Oklahoma City) Harper and Bailey are headliners despite Rutgers' losing record Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey are two of the headlining prospects in the NBA draft. It comes despite the fact that they couldn't elevate Rutgers to a winning record even while teaming up as top one-and-done talents. Harper is the top guard in the draft and a potential No. 2 overall pick for Wednesday's first round. Bailey arrived in college ranked 1-2 behind Duke's Cooper Flagg among top freshmen and is one of the top forwards. Despite featuring an edge in high-end pro talent in almost every game, Rutgers finished just 15-17 and didn't make the NCAA Tournament. Bailey said the underwhelming season had come up 'a couple times' in some pre-draft meetings with teams. Harper said 'life ain't gonna be perfect' but that he 'would do it all over again' during the combine. Cooper Flagg was the nation's No. 1 recruit at 17, now he's expected to be the No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg arrived at Duke as the nation's No. 1 recruit at 17 years old. Less than a year later, the Maine native is set to be the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft in a big week for the Blue Devils program. The first round of the draft starts Wednesday, with the second round coming Thursday. Flagg led the Blue Devils to their first Final Four under Jon Scheyer, the successor to retired Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski. He also became only the fourth freshman named Associated Press men's national player of the year.
New York Times
24-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Pistons' Trajan Langdon touts internal growth, not being ‘super aggressive this summer'
DETROIT — Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon addressed a room of local reporters Tuesday afternoon for the second time since the Pistons' season ended in early May. Langdon sat at a makeshift podium on the second floor of Detroit's practice facility as he discussed the franchise's summer approach, how injuries in the Eastern Conference may have shifted said approach, contract extensions and more. Within the last week and a half, the Orlando Magic traded for Desmond Bane, the Indiana Pacers lost All-Star Tyrese Haliburton for the foreseeable future because of a brutal NBA Finals Game 7 right Achilles tear and the Boston Celtics traded Jrue Holiday for Anfernee Simons. Advertisement With the 2025 NBA Draft roughly 24 hours away and likely more moves to be made across the league, the East could look drastically different entering the 2025-26 season. Will the Pistons look to make a big acquisition to enhance their chances of contending in the East? Would it be best to prioritize internal growth? What about signing Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren to rookie-scale max extensions this summer? 'We're not going to be super aggressive this summer, I don't think,' Langdon said. 'I don't foresee any of that. It's just developing from within and hoping to keep a couple vet pieces that we had on the roster this past year. If we can add around the margins to get better, we will, but I don't think it's anything that's going to be super aggressive or crazy.' Based on Langdon's consistency in his message about internal growth and not looking to take big swings, the Pistons' roster construction next season won't be too different. That said, Langdon was clear that Detroit's front office will at least survey the market to improve. Whether the Pistons have serious conversations about retooling their roster depends on the price any other team would seek out. 'We'll look for those opportunities,' Langdon said. 'If it's a player coming back that has value, and it's not too expensive and doesn't hamper our ability to have optionality going forward or hamper the development internally of our players, we'll look to do it.' Considering how different the East could look next season, and no current clear-cut favorite to come out of the conference, Langdon was asked if his offseason plan was at all altered. Just in the 2025 postseason Haliburton, Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Damian Lillard and Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum all suffered ruptured Achilles. Each injury was brutal to witness, given the arduous recovery process and the uncertainty surrounding players' abilities to return to elite levels. The losses of each of those players will be felt around the NBA next season. Advertisement And as devastating as these injuries are, teams in the East now inevitably seem to feel more confident in their chances to rise to the top of the conference. So, where do Langdon and Detroit's front office stand? 'It's definitely provoked some thought internally, in terms of what we can do to get better,' Langdon said when asked how those injuries could shift his approach. 'It hasn't changed the roadmap for us. I don't think we want to think we're in a place to push all of our chips in and be locked in. … We still want to keep that optionality. Our guys have been in the gym working a lot, they want to get better. 'So I think we will see growth from our young players from this year to next year, and that's ultimately what's really important for us. Because if those guys get better, we'll ultimately get better. We're continuing to keep our ear to the ground and see if there's opportunities to get better without pushing all of our chips in, proverbially.' Apart from what's going on around the rest of the East, after the NBA Finals, all teams were allowed to begin negotiations with players from their rosters last season who are set to hit free agency this summer. That means the Pistons, as of Monday, were able to begin discussions with Malik Beasley, Dennis Schröder, Tim Hardaway Jr., Paul Reed and Lindy Waters III. Langdon didn't go into detail on whether discussions have taken place, but did say Detroit is interested in bringing certain veterans from last season back into the fold for next year. 'If we can keep some of the guys that we have as part of this run, some of the vets, that would be great,' Langdon said. 'We know they're going to get interest from other teams as well. So as we look to keep them, we'll also have to have backup options as well, if they choose to go somewhere else for a deal that we can't match.' Advertisement While Langdon seemed eager to engage in conversations around players he looks to retain, he acknowledged it isn't a unilateral decision. 'Agents are tough. We know we have stated that we are interested and they're interested in us,' Langdon continued. 'But again, agents have to do the job for their players, survey the market, see what's there, and hopefully we can come to a resolution and bring those guys back. But we have to do due diligence as well in case they choose another destination.' Langdon seemed to have the same thought process when asked about working out deals to retain Ivey and Duren this summer. 'When that time comes, later in the summer, we'll have those conversations with the agents. But in terms of valuing our players and contract stuff, I'm never going talk about it. That's going to be between us and the agent. But those are guys that we value, that we talk about. So hopefully we can have some really good conversations if it comes to that. 'And if not, we'll play their years out here and we'll see what happens going forward.' Although Langdon kept his poker face in some regards on Tuesday, he did say Ivey and Isaiah Stewart aren't yet 100 percent. They are expected to be ready for training camp in September. Ivey and Stewart, excluding Stewart's 19 minutes in Game 1, were forced to miss last postseason. While the Pistons were without those two key players during their six-game series against the New York Knicks, the series reaffirmed to Langdon that Cade Cunningham is Detroit's cornerstone. Cunningham led the Pistons to triple their win total en route to their first playoff berth in six years. The 23-year-old guard averaged 25.0 points, 8.7 assists and 8.3 rebounds during his first six postseason games. Langdon spoke about having a player of Cunningham's stature experience failure so early on in his career. Advertisement 'I have a ton of confidence going forward that (we) have a guy that can lead (us). And, look, he's hungry this summer,' Langdon said. 'I think that's the biggest thing, is (that) he wants to take the next step and understands what that is in terms of adding things to his game, getting stronger, getting in better shape. The big thing for us at the end of last year was these guys got to get a taste of (the postseason). 'That's what always happens to competitors. If you get a taste of high-level competition and then you fail and you want it again, you want to take the next step. … That's what we've seen from not only Cade, but the rest of our team. Knowing that you have that guy and not only a big-time player, but a big-time leader of this group that's highly respected by his peers and the coaching staff, I think there is a lot to look forward to going forward. I think (it's) amazing that he made All-NBA, although it hurts us from a roster-building standpoint. It's obviously a huge plus to have a player of that caliber.' With the draft looming and Detroit holding the No. 37 pick, Langdon and the Pistons' front office feel well-prepared to make their selection. Langdon mentioned Detroit has had multiple workouts with several players, and the franchise believes there is value at No. 37. 'We've been able to talk to them and see them work out,' Langdon said, 'except for a couple that have been injured, but other than that, we've got a lot of players in it, had a good amount of workouts for 37 this year, so we're pleased.' Draft aside, Langdon spoke to his excitement around the internal development of Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland II and Bobi Klintman. As for Thompson, Langdon said he's already in the gym working on his strength, getting in better shape and working to improve his jumpshot. According to Langdon, Thompson has expressed Defensive Player of the Year aspirations one day as well. The major areas of improvement Langdon identified for Thompson were individual shot creation and ballhandling, in addition to getting stronger. Lastly, second-year players Holland and Klintman are expected to be the feature players on Detroit's upcoming NBA Summer League roster. Advertisement 'Those are two guys that have versatility on both ends of the floor, can handle and score it,' Langdon said. 'Both (have) been working on their shot and the shot of creation as well. Along with getting stronger, which is very, very important for two guys that are young in this league. So they'll have that opportunity in summer league, and we're excited about it.' The draft begins Wednesday evening, and with the potential shakeup of the East next season. Expect the association to look different, but expect Langdon and the Pistons to continue to be calculated and grow internally. (Photo of Trajan Langdon: Carlos Osorio / Associated Press)
CBS News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons set to play regular-season game in Mexico City on Nov. 1
The voice of the Dallas Mavericks on draft lottery and expected #1 pick Cooper Flagg The voice of the Dallas Mavericks on draft lottery and expected #1 pick Cooper Flagg The voice of the Dallas Mavericks on draft lottery and expected #1 pick Cooper Flagg The NBA is going back to Mexico City next season, with the Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons set to play a regular-season game there on Nov. 1. It will be the NBA's 34th game in Mexico since 1992. "We take significant pride in the fact that the Mavericks organization and our supporters reflect the increased globalization of basketball and the NBA," Mavericks CEO Rick Welts said. "The vibrancy of Mexico City and the passion of its fans make it the perfect place to host these Global Games." The full NBA schedule for next season isn't likely to be released until late summer. The league typically announces some international games ahead of that. "Playing a regular-season game in Mexico City will be a great experience for our players and coaches," Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon said. "And we look forward to showcasing Detroit basketball to an international audience and a passionate, growing NBA fanbase." The Mavericks currently have the No. 1 pick in this month's draft and are expected to select Duke's Cooper Flagg. This season, the Pistons made a huge improvement and reached the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Associated Press
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Pistons, Mavericks to play regular-season game in Mexico City on Nov. 1
MEXICO CITY (AP) — The NBA is going back to Mexico City next season, with the Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons set to play a regular-season game there on Nov. 1. The Mavericks currently have the No. 1 pick in this month's draft and are expected to select Duke's Cooper Flagg. The Pistons made a huge improvement this season and reached the Eastern Conference playoffs. It will be the NBA's 34th game in Mexico since 1992. 'We take significant pride in the fact that the Mavericks organization and our supporters reflect the increased globalization of basketball and the NBA,' Mavericks CEO Rick Welts said. 'The vibrancy of Mexico City and the passion of its fans make it the perfect place to host these Global Games.' The full NBA schedule for next season isn't likely to be released until late summer. The league typically announces some international games ahead of that. 'Playing a regular-season game in Mexico City will be a great experience for our players and coaches,' Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon said. 'And we look forward to showcasing Detroit basketball to an international audience and a passionate, growing NBA fanbase.' ___ AP NBA:
