Bench creation vs. floor spacing
Two real gaps, one pick. Creation protects Cade's minutes; shooting protects the half-court. #21 can only solve one.
The take
Two real gaps, one pick. A backup creator protects Cade's body. A movement shooter protects the half-court offense. #21 only solves one — and Detroit doesn't have a second-rounder to find the other.
Creation is the harder need. Pure shooters are findable in free agency and the second round. Use the lottery-adjacent pick on the scarce skill.
Cade IS the creation engine. We need more 40%+ wings around him, not another ball-handler clogging his runway.
Creation path: Stirtz or Anderson at #21. Spacing path: Cameron Carr (catch-and-shoot wing) or Isaiah Evans (microwave shooter).
Names this debate touches
The board moves with the call. Here's who's in range if it breaks each way.
Bennett Stirtz
Heady senior lead guard who captained Iowa's Elite Eight run. Plus pick-and-roll operator, smart decisions, capable shooter.
Combine Day 1 winner. 37.5" max vert was the sleeper-athleticism flag nobody had on their bingo card. Shooting drills were the headline — every rep identical, all-net, only guard who looked like he hadn't broken a sweat by the end. Measurements (6'2.5 barefoot, 6'6 wingspan, 186 lb) check out.
Plug-in backup point guard behind Cade — keeps the second unit organized, doesn't need touches, and lets Ausar/Ron stay on-ball when they're out there together.
Christian Anderson
Plus shooting combo guard with steady ball-screen feel. Knocked down 41.5% from three at Texas Tech.
No combine or workout buzz yet — check back closer to the draft.
Shooting backup PG who can play alongside Cade in two-guard looks.
Cameron Carr
Athletic 6'5" wing scorer leading Baylor — movement shooting, vertical pop, and credible shot-blocking on the perimeter.
No combine or workout buzz yet — check back closer to the draft.
Bullseye fit. Movement shooting + length on the wing is Detroit's #1 roster need.
Isaiah Evans
Microwave shot-maker with deep range and movement-shooting feel. Took a real sophomore leap at Duke.
No combine or workout buzz yet — check back closer to the draft.
Off-ball shot-maker who can hit tough shots — fills the bench scoring void.
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