The Detroit Pistons had a challenging time with their draft picks throughout the 2010s, with only a few moments of promise. Early in the decade, they selected Greg Monroe in the 2010 NBA Draft. Monroe showed some early potential but struggled to keep up as the league’s style of play evolved, leaving his traditional skill set less valuable over time.
One notable missed opportunity for the Pistons was DeMarcus Cousins, a talented big man who believed he would have been a great fit for Detroit. Cousins recently revealed in an interview that he had a workout with the Pistons and genuinely hoped to start his career there because he felt the team’s culture matched his personality well.
Despite his desire to be drafted by Detroit, Cousins did not attempt to manipulate his draft status or force his way onto the team. He said he was simply grateful for the chance to join any NBA organization and did not want to jeopardize his chances by holding out for a preferred destination.
Instead, Cousins was selected by the Sacramento Kings, where he experienced the peak of his professional career. Looking back, it’s clear the Pistons missed out on a player who could have made a significant impact during that period.
The story highlights how important fit and culture can be in a player’s development and success. For Cousins, Detroit seemed like the ideal environment, but circumstances led him elsewhere, leaving the Pistons with some regret over their draft choices.
