The Pistons add three rookies at the 2009 NBA Draft

June 25, 11:54 PMDetroit Pistons ExaminerDave Ryan

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The Detroit Pistons utilized all four of their draft picks at Thursday's 2009 NBA Draft. Other than a couple of surprises, the draft itself went pretty much to plan for general manager Joe Dumars. Here's a breakdown of each pick the Pistons made, along with the players I personally would've selected if I called the shots:

1st round, 15th overall

Austin Daye-SF/PF-Gonzaga-Sophomore

The Pistons were thrown multiple curve balls when both Terrence Williams and Earl Clark came off the board, and Dumars obviously felt that Daye was the best available player. Other than opting for Wake Forest's ultra athletic James Johnson (who would have been a more desirable selection as far as I'm concerned), it's hard to argue with Detroit here for going with a need pick. Daye has been favorably compared to current Piston Tayshaun Prince, especially for his rail-thin frame and massive wingspan. This pick also means that Prince's time in Detroit is on the clock, with Daye unlikely to ever suit up at power forward until he adds a good amount of weight to his frame. Assuming Prince is moved via trade in the coming weeks, it clears a gaping hole for Daye to start as a rookie.

Grade: C+

Preferred pick: James Johnson-PF-Wake Forest

2nd round, 35th overall

DaJuan Summers-SF/PF-Georgetown

After going with a combo forward in the first round, the Pistons went after another versatile forward with their first pick in the second. Summers is a very different player than Austin Daye, which is why it doesn't matter much that he plays the same position as his fellow rookie. Summers brings a raw offensive game, but is a physical player with outstanding athleticism and a work-in-progress jumper. He has a good deal of long-term potential, and should be able to step in and find a role as the eighth or ninth man off our bench in his first season.

Grade: B+

Preferred pick: Derrick Brown-SF-Xavier

2nd round, 39th overall

Jonas Jerebko-SF-Sweden

Another forward, only this time with a bit of international flair. Dumars and the Pistons opted for Sweden's 22 year old scorer, a guy who probably is a year or two away from contributing at the NBA level. The second round is traditionally overflowing with international prospects, so this move represents a low risk selection that has the potential to pay off nicely down the line. Jerebko nearly signed on to play college ball at the University of Buffalo, but instead opted to stay home and play for one of Sweden's top club teams. There was a good amount of proven college talent still on the board with this pick however, which is why I can't entirely endorse this selection.

Grade: C+

Preferred pick: Patrick Mills-PG-St. Mary's

2nd round, 44th overall

Chase Budinger-SG/SF-Arizona

Right when it looked like the Pistons would look to address the guard position, our fourth and final selection in '09 ends up being another forward. Budinger could easily go down as one of the bigger steals of the second round, as he was projected by many as a first round pick heading into the night. The 6'7" Budinger is a ridiculous athlete, despite looking more like an accountant than a basketball player. Even though he would have probably achieved a cult-like following among Pistons fans, Budinger was quickly traded to Houston for a future 2nd round pick and cash considerations. Just for the record I would've given this pick an "A".

Grade: N/A (pick traded)

Preferred pick: Chase Budinger-SG/SF-Arizona

Overall grade: B-

When it comes time to praise Tayshaun Prince for his services in a Pistons uniform, I'll make sure to stand up and applaud. But from what I've seen these past two seasons, I just can't take another year of Prince floating around and disappearing through important basketball games. It makes sense that Dumars would go with a combo forward at the 15th pick, I was just hoping for Louisville's Earl Clark instead. But Daye still represents a solid amount of potential, and he is now the small forward of the future and needs to be treated as such.

As for the three second round choices, it's hard to nitpick any of them knowing Detroit's needs. Jerebko was probably worth the flier when you consider our free agency aspirations, and if that's the worst pick we made then we definitely ended up with a nice haul. Trading Budinger, a guy who has first round talent, to Houston was a bit of a head scratcher, especially considering that he was the hands down best athlete the Pistons selected. I also would have loved to see a quick, pass-first point guard and a developmental center in addition Daye, but maybe that's me being greedy.

Of all the things I wanted to see Detroit accomplish, adding athleticism was at the top of my list. Daye is already an above average athlete, while Summers can bring the fans to their feet with rim rattling dunks in the way that Jason Maxiell has done for the past few seasons. Budinger would've put this draft over the top from an athletic standpoint, but there didn't seem to be much of an opportunity for him to see serious minutes here. Versatility plus athleticism plus potential always equals a winning formula on draft night, and with this in mind I think Joe Dumars did a very admirable job.