With the worst record in the NBA in 2022-23, the Detroit Pistons entered the draft lottery on Tuesday with the best chances of picking up franchise-changing Victor Wimpanyama with the first overall pick.
Or maybe you get a nice consolation prize in Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller with the second or third pick.
Instead, the Pistons, with the worst winning percentage in the NBA over the past five seasons, have fallen to…
We pick fifth place overall in 2023 #NBADraft.# Sponsored × @employee pic.twitter.com/IuiL4YkG5x
Detroit Pistons May 17, 2023
Of course, Pistons general manager Troy Weaver tried to put a positive spin on the free fall…
We’ve been here before pic.twitter.com/9ln00iIK26
Detroit Pistons May 17, 2023
But for some Pistons fans, the shock was palpable…
Mark Tatum: “The fifth pick goes to….” *refer to the Pistons logo* “The Detroit Pistons” pic.twitter.com/A6liwBHIbF
– Txhsin (AsukaTruly) May 15, 2023
So, that’s what you get from 17-65 records…
“And the fifth pick belongs to … the Detroit Pistons.”
Piston fans: pic.twitter.com/yrRiS1SQXS
– FanDuel Sportsbook (FDSportsbook) May 17, 2023
After enduring an injury-plagued campaign, some Pistons fans were hoping for a rescue…
Pistons fans, tonight is the night!
We need all the positive vibes going into the lottery…
It’s time to put the NBA team Detroit Pistons back on the map and compete. Give the city of Detroit Victor Wimpanyama
📸: @employee | # pistons # The NBA pic.twitter.com/0WLbANnGtm
– Boner (@bonersports) May 16, 2023
But unfortunately …
NBA draft for the Detroit Pistons pic.twitter.com/L1ItbWMsHu
– Ava (@ Ava71757363) May 17, 2023
The lottery was like a bumbling 80s Mike Tyson standing up to the Pistons fan base…
Yes. @employee Describes exactly what I’m feeling this morning as a long suffering (but still hopeful) @employee a fan. pic.twitter.com/8jJ3yaqwyG
– Edward Pizzarello (@pizzainmotion) May 17, 2023
Jalen Rose, Detroit native, ABC/ESPN analyst and former Fab Five, is never shy about the camera. Except when he saw the Pistons card revealed Tuesday. “This live broadcast is over…”
my reaction to @employee Getting the 5th pick in the NBA Draft… pic.twitter.com/KX39DZKei0
– Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) May 17, 2023
However, some Pistons fans continue to be firmly convinced…
you know what ? This makes me love Detroit even more. All this suffering we have endured, on and off the court, all this disdain from the rest of the country. We have always been against everyone, and you always will be 💙 ♥ ️# I grow # Detroit Pistons pic.twitter.com/9xj4NBwvY9
– Leo (pasolinipriv) May 17, 2023
Is the situation dire? Here are three solid choices for the number 5…
Pistons must target their top 3 players with the #5 pick in the 2023 NBA Drafthttps://t.co/h36eiEoYjC
– Pistons Nation (PistonsNationCP) May 17, 2023
While Wimpanyama will land San Antonio, the Pistons are positioned to add their youth movement, including #1 pick Kady Cunningham in 2021 and #5 pick last year, Jaden Ivey. An injured Cunningham missed most of last season and Ivey endured growing pains, but he’s being compared to a certain future Hall of Famer…
The Detroit Pistons top pick in last year’s draft seems to be doing well 👀 pic.twitter.com/cfu6Pjt9yD
Woodwards Sports Network May 16, 2023
Meanwhile, the Pistons brass will continue to focus on hiring their next head coach…
The Detroit Pistons would prefer Kevin Ollie as their next head coach pic.twitter.com/X9VBsDIK7L
– Pistons Talk (@Pistons__Talk) May 17, 2023
No matter who the Pistons hire, the next coach will have a strong young core to develop…
RT to show some love to our guys @employee And @employee to make @employee The second team for beginners pic.twitter.com/hR4HX90u4D
Detroit Pistons May 8, 2023
But, considering it’s been 15 years since the franchise won a playoff series, it might be a while before a sense of desperation sets in at the 313…
Me when the Detroit Pistons don’t get a Top 2 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/1v0uibPVFJ
– grant (@uncIefish) May 12, 2023