The Detroit Pistons have drafted 10 players in the first round since 2020. Their latest, No. 17 overall pick Ebuka Okorie, is joining a team in a fundamentally different place compared to those who preceded him.
It remains to be seen how the speedy point guard from Stanford will fit in with a team fresh off its best season in 20 years – 60 wins, first in the Eastern Conference and a second-round exit in the playoffs. But Okorie was cognizant of his − and his new team’s − situation during his introductory press conference on Thursday, June 25.
He’s not arriving in Detroit as a savior. The success or failure of a rebuild hasn’t been placed upon his shoulders. Okorie simply needs to show up and, when given the opportunity, contribute however he can.
As his career progresses, the Pistons believe he will have a lot to show.
“I feel like this is the best scenario for me,” Okorie said while sitting next to team president Trajan Langdon on stage at the team’s practice facility. “Coming to this winning organization, I’m just looking to contribute in any way I can. I’m just blessed to be part of this organization and this team.”
The 6-foot-1 guard was a player the Pistons tracked all season, Langdon said, and was a high enough target that they were propelled to trade three second-round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies to move up from No. 21 to 17. They ended up getting those same three picks back a day later in exchange for Isaiah Stewart.
Okorie averaged 23.2 points per game (an average tied for sixth in the nation, regardless of class) in his lone college season at Stanford, while shooting 46.5% from the field. His quick first step, ability to shift gears downhill and finish with either hand fits the Pistons’ transition-heavy offense, but also adds needed speed and creation to their halfcourt offense.
The 19-year-old exceeded expectations in college while carrying a heavy load as the main engine. Langdon is well-acquainted with Okorie’s former high school basketball coach at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Even so, he didn’t foresee Okorie’s electric season at Stanford that propelled him into the first round as a freshman.
The margin for error for small guards is low, and Okorie would’ve been the smallest guard on last year’s roster. That didn’t deter the front office. It helps that he has a 6-foot-8 wingspan, allowing him to play a bit bigger than his size. But it’s his mindset and hard work that will propel him on both ends, Langdon said.
“We think he’s got a lot of upside,” Langdon said. “We think the things that he brings to this organization, not only as a human being but as a basketball player, with his pace and speed with the ball in hand, his ability to create for not only himself but teammates, are going to help take this organization to the next level. We’re incredibly excited to have Ebuka Okorie here as the newest member of the Pistons family. We know he’ll work his butt off, and we’re going to help him become the best basketball player he can be.”
At the end of the conference, Okorie posed with Langdon while holding his new No. 23 jersey, a number worn last by former fifth overall pick Jaden Ivey. Though Ivey and Okorie’s games are both powered by speed, Okorie compared his game to a different former high lottery pick – Bulls guard Collin Sexton, who averaged 15.4 points, 3.3 assists and shot 48.5% overall and 40.1% from 3 last season.
Alongside Cade Cunningham and Daniss Jenkins, the Pistons now have three young guards who each bring something different to the position. Jenkins’ increased role and emergence as a starter in the playoffs revealed the need to have multiple ball-handlers on the floor. Like Ron Holland, the Pistons likely will find opportunities for Okorie to play during the regular season even as they push for wins.
The rookie guard said he’s not setting “crazy” expectations for himself but is looking forward to playing with Cunningham and Ausar Thompson. Okorie is only the second first-round selection under Langdon, joining Holland. The team president is confident he will be a difference-maker.
“Like Trajan said, I’m going to work hard, I’m going to work as hard as I can to be the best basketball player I can be,” Okorie said. “I’m blessed to be a Detroit Piston. I’m going to give it my all every time I step on the court, every time I get an opportunity, and I’m looking forward to build on everything this organization has done so far, last year, a 60-win team, first in the East, and then going into this next year hopefully we can continue to build on that.
“It starts in practice and our daily habits, so I’m just looking forward to getting together with all the guys and just bonding and getting it done.”
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Meet the new guy
The Pistons drafted guard Ebuka Okorie at No. 17 on Tuesday night. Three things to know about him:
ALMOST A HARVARD MAN: Before he headed to the ACC and Stanford, Okorie was committed to Harvard (where both his parents went).
ATLANTIC COASTING: The New Hampshire native was a first-team All-ACC pick thanks to his 23.2 points per game in conference play.
STANDING TALL: Measured at 6 feet 1 at the scouting combine, Okorie is just the fifth Pistons first-round pick 6-1 or shorter, and the first since Isiah Thomas in 1981. Well, that one worked out, eh?
Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@freepress.com. Follow him on X and/or Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Why joining a winning Pistons team is ‘best scenario’ for Ebuka Okorie
Reporting by Omari Sankofa II, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Omari Sankofa II, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
