Two years ago the Pistons got talented young big man Greg Monroe with the seventh overall pick and followed that up with promising young point guard Brandon Knight at No. 8 in 2011.
Now Detroit hopes to avoid the lottery all together in 2013 with the help of the ninth overall selection this time around.
The Pistons made progress in Lawrence Frank's first season on the bench in the Motor City and figure to look for a defensive-minded big this time around to compliment Monroe, who is more of an offensive player.
A pair of North Carolina players, power forward John Henson and his huge wingspan, along with center Tyler Zeller, or Illinois center Meyers Leonard could be the type of defensive stoppers and rebounders that could help alongside Monroe.
The Bobcats already made a significant personnel move on Tuesday sending high-scoring guard Ben Gordon and a future first-round draft choice to Charlotte for forward Corey Maggette.
The two teams swapped their highest-paid players, with the Bobcats gaining a pick for Gordon's lengthier contract.
Gordon has another guaranteed year for over $12 million, plus a player option for 2013-14 at over $13 million that he is likely to exercise. Maggette has only one year remaining on his deal at just under $11 million.
"We welcome Corey Maggette to our organization in a transaction that provides us with a veteran scorer and defender in addition to increased roster flexibility moving forward," said Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars."
Players under contract: C: Greg Monroe; G: Rodney Stuckey; G: Brandon Knight; F: Charlie Villanueva; F: Tayshaun Prince; F: Jonas Jerebko; G: Will Bynum; F: Austin Daye; F: Corey Maggette;
Free agents: F: Vernon Macklin (restricted); F: Jason Maxiell (unrestricted, player option); G: Walker Russell Jr. (restricted); F/C: Ben Wallace; G/F: Damien Wilkins
Recent Draft History: 2011: Brandon Knight (8), Kyle Singler (33), Vernon Macklin (52) 2010: Greg Monroe (7), Terrico White (36) 2009: Austin Daye (15), DaJuan Summers (35), Jonas Jerebko (39), Chase Budinger (44) 2008: D.J. White (29) 2007: Rodney Stuckey (15), Arron Afflalo (27), Sammy Mejia (57)
Draft picks: 1st round (9th overall), 2nd round (39th overall, 44th overall)
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