10 NBA Draft Withdrawals Detroit Should Keep Watching for 2027
Some of the more interesting 2026 NBA draft prospects are headed back to school.
- ▸The 2026 board just got thinner. A few names Detroit fans may have circled are headed back to school instead.
- ▸That does not make them irrelevant. It just moves the homework to 2027.
- ▸For the Pistons, this matters because next year’s pick should be in the late-1st range.
- ▸Some of these guys need bigger roles. Some need cleaner shooting numbers. Some just need another year of film. Either way, they are not names to forget.
The 2026 NBA Draft withdrawal deadline is over, and a handful of interesting prospects are headed back to school.
Here are 10 draft withdrawals who could be on Detroit’s radar in 2027.
Richmond has the athletic profile NBA teams look for in a wing.
The offense is still developing, which makes another year in school the right move. But his defensive tools, athleticism, and ability to play in transition give him a foundation worth watching.
Detroit angle: The Pistons still need athletic two-way wings around Cade Cunningham. Richmond fits that mold if his offensive game takes a step forward.
2. Alijah Arenas
The scoring talent is obvious with Arenas.
The next step is proving he can run an offense, make consistent decisions, and hold up defensively. If those areas improve, his stock could rise quickly.
Detroit angle: Offensive upside always gets attention, especially if Arenas develops into more than just a scorer.
3. Tyler Tanner
Tanner's biggest challenge is size.
Still, he can create offense, shoot, and put pressure on defenses. Smaller guards have to be efficient and survive defensively, but the skill level gives him a chance.
Detroit angle: The Pistons could eventually use more shot creation off the bench, making Tanner a name to monitor.
Yessoufou may have the highest upside on this list.
He has the athleticism, strength, and scoring flashes that scouts love. If the shooting and decision-making improve, he could make a significant jump next season.
Detroit angle: Athletic wings with real upside are always valuable, especially if the skill development follows.
5. Amari Allen
Allen is a bet on development.
The size and flashes are there, but he needs more consistency as a shooter, ball-handler, and defender. Another strong season could change how teams view him.
Detroit angle: Detroit needs forwards who can keep the floor spaced and make quick decisions. Allen has a chance to become that type of player.
Momcilović's appeal is straightforward: size and shooting.
The questions are on the defensive end and whether he can do enough beyond spot-up shooting to stay on the floor in bigger games.
Detroit angle: Floor-spacing forwards fit well next to Cade, which makes Momcilović an easy prospect to track.
7. Matt Able
Able is more of a long-term watch.
He is not one of the biggest names in this group, but players can make huge jumps with more minutes and responsibility. Another year could put him firmly on draft boards.
Detroit angle: Late-first-round value often comes from players who develop quickly, and Able fits that category.
Bidunga brings athleticism, energy, and defensive potential.
The question is whether he can expand his game beyond rim-running and shot-blocking. If he does, his NBA outlook becomes much stronger.
Detroit angle: The Pistons already have Jalen Duren, but athletic frontcourt players who impact games without needing touches always have value.
9. Malachi Moreno
Moreno is a classic developmental big.
His size stands out immediately. Now scouts will be watching his mobility, defensive versatility, finishing, and overall consistency.
Detroit angle: If Moreno proves he can be a reliable two-way center, he will stay firmly in the 2027 conversation.
10. Acaden Lewis
Lewis is an upside guard prospect.
He can create offense, but he needs to improve his decision-making, strength, and shooting consistency. Those areas will determine how much his stock rises.
Detroit angle: If Detroit looks for guard depth in a future draft, Lewis has the type of on-ball skill that can attract attention.
The Detroit takeaway
These players are out of the 2026 draft, but they are far from irrelevant. In many cases, another year of development could significantly improve their stock.
The 2027 draft cycle is still a long way off, but these are 10 names Detroit fans should keep an eye on.
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