NBA Draft 2024: Projecting the top 5 picks in the 1st round of the draft

With the NBA Draft rapidly approaching, there are many storylines that will unravel on June 26th and June 27th. This draft, more than any, is filled with uncertainty. There isn't a clear-cut consensus number one pick as of right now, and there could be a lot of movement within the lottery with teams trading up for players they have their eyes set on or moving back with the hopes of stacking up picks for future drafts. Regardless, it will pave the way for a lot of drama, and who doesn't love drama?

With that being said, here is a prediction for how the top five will shake out. 

5th overall: Detroit Pistons - F, Matas Buzelis, G-League Ignite

The Detroit Pistons are in a position where they are in dire need of forward production alongside centerpiece Cade Cunningham and guard Jaden Ivey, who the Pistons are hoping takes a step forward entering his third season in the NBA. Outside of Ausar Thompson, the Pistons really don't have any forwards that aren't despenable. Matas Buzelis would gel perfectly into a prominent role, who spent last season playing for the G-League Ignite.

Buzelis may have the most tools and skills in this draft. Standing at 6-foot-8, he likes to attack the rim but also has smooth footwork and the ability to stretch the floor, scoring as a shooter. Through 26 games, Buzelis averaged 15.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.6 blocks. 

Detroit has options with this selection, but drafting the high upside wing, whose game translates very well to the current style of play in today's NBA, makes the most logical sense, and if Detroit hopes to speed up this process, they need to start getting some of these selections right.