Detroit Pistons Land Duke Standout in 2026 NBA Mock Draft

The Detroit Pistons are already being linked to one of college basketball’s rising scorers following their playoff exit. In his latest 2026 NBA Mock Draft for ESPN , Jeremy Woo projects the Pistons to select Duke shooting guard Isaiah Evans with the No. 21 overall pick, a move that would address one of Detroit’s clearest roster needs heading into next season.

And after watching Detroit’s offense struggle throughout portions of the postseason, especially in the team’s Eastern Conference semifinal loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the fit makes a lot of sense. Isaiah Evans could fill major need for Detroit Pistons Woo’s analysis focused heavily on Evans’ ability to space the floor and provide perimeter scoring around Cade Cunningham. According to the mock draft, Evans projects as a movement shooter with long-term offensive upside, something Detroit badly needs after its playoff offense became inconsistent against elite defenses.

The Pistons finished their postseason run struggling to consistently knock down perimeter shots, and Cleveland’s defensive pressure exposed Detroit’s lack of reliable floor spacing at times. Adding a player like Evans could directly address that issue. Duke standout brings shooting upside Evans, a sophomore at Duke, measured in at: 6-foot-5½ without shoes 186 pounds 6-foot-8¾ wingspan 8-foot-8½ standing reach Woo noted that Evans weighed in somewhat light and did not have the strongest overall combine testing numbers, but the offensive skill set remains intriguing enough to keep him projected firmly in the first round.

The report also mentioned Evans’ ability to develop into a valuable floor spacer with positional size, a trait that becomes increasingly valuable in today’s NBA. Detroit Pistons entering critical offseason This offseason suddenly feels massive for Detroit. After winning 60 games and earning the No.