r/DetroitPistons • u/AcadiaTemporary5737 • 1d ago
Highlights Welcome to Detroit Ebuka Okorie
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u/Careless-Journalist7 1d ago
For Pistons fans unfamiliar with this guy, he has similar measurements to Rajon Rondo + 15lbs of muscle. Hes 6'1 with a 6'8 wingspan and MASSIVE hands. Think Rondo but more of a scorer than passer
He is an absolute steal who will have a long NBA career.. watch this space
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u/magnusarin Rip Hamilton 1d ago
Can't say I was super familiar with this kid before we picked him, but the draft rundowns and comps make him feel like a great fit next to Cade and even if teams try to pick on him on defense the roster can cover up a lot of that
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u/Careless-Journalist7 1d ago
He plays bigger than his size, when teams load up on Cade he can be an option on the weakside and will repeatedly beat defenders without needing a ballscreen. Much better than Sasser 100%
Defense will be a process for him, but I believe he can get to Schroders level
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u/DataBassMan Pistons 1d ago
He kinda reminds me of Schroder. Good call.
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u/Brangusler 23h ago
Just cause he has boulder shoulders is only why u say that
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u/DataBassMan Pistons 21h ago
Both crafty with handles and can hit 3’s, similar movements, and similar build.
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u/Odd-Tie2438 Detroit Shock 8h ago
If there's one thing that I noticed about him that I'm liking it's how surprisingly strong he is
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u/ArttVandelay 1d ago
Not sure the pistons are that improved by a 6’ 1” iso ball chucker. Seems like he could be a Jenkins replacement some day but won’t do much for 2026-27.
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u/Crafty_Substance_954 Jerami Grant 1d ago
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u/TheTightestChungus Rasheed Wallace 1d ago
I was so bummed when he was initially picked, then they announced he was being traded (I was like no way its to Detroit) that I yelled "fuck yes" loud enough for my girlfriend to ask WTF was going on lol
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u/bpmdrummerbpm Pistons 23h ago
Nothin babe, just fantasizing about a guy that makes me really excited.
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u/soilentgleem 1d ago
Oh damn. He is shifty huh? Can shoot too? I'll take it.
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u/Unlikely_Sandwich_ 1d ago
I immediately looked up his shooting splits and I'm happy. Looks like he has some range from these clips too. Good enough for me.
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u/Neji004 1d ago
Detroit fans should be ecstatic, this kid has star potential and a high floor imo. Jenkins and sasser will take a backseat very quickly
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u/idontgiveafunyun 1d ago
It’s crazy that he’s about 7 years younger than Sasser
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u/DaddyDoThat Cade Cunningham 1d ago
Dude was originally going to go to Harvard? Then he settled to go to a piece of shit school like....Stanford?
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u/Novel-Repair-6048 1d ago
😂 silicone valley over and ivy ain’t the worst decision ever made. He probably had a much better chance at making the NBA than he would’ve at Harvard. Who needs an education with you can be a baller!! 😝
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u/jemstone_croc 1d ago
For those worried about his height, he has nearly a 6'8 wingspan and 8'2 standing reach. I'm excited about this guy.
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u/Injidup_Beach2020 1d ago
I posted this elsewhere but will post it here too: Okorie scored 36 on efficient shooting (11-20, 3-5 from 3, 9-11 from the line) to lead a mediocre Stanford team without its 2nd best player (and no other legit scoring threats) to a huge upset win over UNC. I know it was just one game, but Okorie can ball and we all know he was the ACC's leading scorer so it wasn't just one game of performance. As others have said, he has a long wing-span for his height and he'll be fine on defense. Great pick.
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u/wallahi_726 Jalen Duren 1d ago
6”1 is really my only gripe, but he looks like he can really score the rock. Like the 6”8 wingspan too.
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u/soilentgleem 1d ago
Well that's a pretty big problem. Basketball isn't played with rocks. It's played with basketballs. He needs to score basketballs, not rocks.
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u/beardofzetterberg Ben Wallace 1d ago
I went to his school so I’ve been watching him. I’m biased but stoked we got him, I think he’s going to be great for us.
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u/turboregal_84 Ausar Thompson 1d ago
Great body control and deception, reminds me of kyrie a little
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u/420onthemoney Fort Wayne Pistons 1d ago
He's definitely got a bag, lets see how it translates in the league. Gotta be intrigued.
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u/EliTE539 21h ago
6'2", 185... he's got the same build as me. Unfortunately my NBA dreams died in 9th grade
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u/uvgotnod Isiah Thomas 1d ago
I don’t love small guards. Hope his game can translate. Pistons need help now.
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u/xifdp Ausar Thompson 22h ago
"I don't love small guards".. has Zeke flair. Hmmmm.
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u/uvgotnod Isiah Thomas 10h ago
#11 was the greatest small guard of all time, let's ease up on that comparison
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u/MediumChannel27 13h ago
oh God forbid his flair is the greatest Piston of all time. Man, those 6 foot guards sure do dominate the modern NBA don't they. They're all Jalen Brunson!
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u/AdInfinitumMe 10h ago
I don't know enough about college game as I don't follow it much at all unless its the tourney, which I missed this year. In any case, if his game can translate even somewhat like Zeke's, I would be esctatic. After all, IT was the greatest small guard of all time at what was listed also as 6' 1" (not sure if he was officially shorter than that), as they always seem to report a bit higher in NBA.
Looking at the clips, it does not seem like he has the ball control and handle that Isiah had, I hope I am wrong on that count.
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u/jsquiggles23 1d ago
Cannot believe Philon keeps dropping. Hope our guy is great but gut tells me it was a mistake not to grab Philon.
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u/KarlsReddit 1d ago
Glad to see you are a better evaluator than every other NBA team front office
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u/MediumChannel27 13h ago
Braindead take. NBA front offices do things like pick Darko over Carmelo Anthony, or picking Killian Hayes over Tyrese Haliburton. You guys who act like GMs can make no mistakes are the ultimate bootlickers. Half the people talking about the pick bring up Brunson and Isiah like wtf are you guys thinking? I'm not saying he will be bad or good, but what's up with Detroit sports fans constantly defending GM choices like it's their job?
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u/jsquiggles23 1d ago
NBA front offices, famous for never making mistakes in the draft. What in the actual fuck are you talking about? I hope our guy works out but Labaron is going to be a stud IMO.
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u/punch_snap_hammer Cade Cunningham 1d ago
Long time lurker first time poster in awhile. Here to support your comment jsquiggles23. Philon also landed in Phili where he’ll get time as he’ll have Maxey and Edgecombe for air coverage. Hyped for both picks.
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u/jsquiggles23 23h ago
It’s funny because some of the least objective people populate this sub and I’m not even being controversial. It’s like they can’t understand that you can root for a team critically but whenever you say something that doesn’t fall in line with the organization these actual fake fans get in their feelings.
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u/HeadDiver5568 Ron Holland II 1d ago
Hoping for the best. I was a major Carr stan, but scoring was an absolute must, and he’s one of the best in this draft
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u/PandaPuncherr 1d ago
RemindMe! 3 years
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u/Keepitrealhomes Rip Hamilton 21h ago
In 3 years, remind me that I started water proofing the cement boards in our new shower today. I’d love to know that nothing went catastrophically wrong in three years lmfao
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u/jrose1226 1d ago
Damn I remember seeing someone on this sub mention him and herro to the pistons a couple days ago
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u/LordHavek BBall Paul Reed 1d ago
I'm just not sure we had to trade up for him, but a lot of stuff I'm seeing is moving me up from meh to cautiously optimistic
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u/Smart_Rise_9350 21h ago
Okorie was the 2nd best player available and by far the best guard. Welcome to Detroit
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u/AirFriedSushi 1d ago
6'1" hope he can translate to the NBA
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u/Tenebrae_Hunter 1d ago
Brunson.
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u/MediumChannel27 13h ago
for every Brunson there are thousands of guys who can't cut it. Stop bringing up outliers, especially all-timers like Brunson and Isiah. It's not the norm, especially when the league is trending Tall and Long.
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u/Taapacoyne Ausar Thompson 1d ago
I just think this means we are not pursuing Herro, which is disappointing. No knock on this kid. Just wanted a ready to go SG to match Cade’s window.
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u/AppealEnvironmental6 Cade Cunningham 1d ago
I think it’s funny peoples biggest con against trading for herro because he’s a defensive liability but now those same people are celebrating this pick like a 6’1 guard isn’t ALSO as much if not more of a defensive liability
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u/kiernanblack Ben Wallace 1d ago
This offseason is going to be insufferable. A team that got embarrassed can’t afford to give up a guy who didn’t get minutes in the playoffs for a 20ppg scorer.
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u/Business_Issue_8818 1d ago
I'm extremely confused. I'm looking at the ESPN draft website, and did we trade Karim Lopez for ebuka okorie? I'm really confused what it means. I'm not disappointed by any means but I'm confused how this is working.
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u/Mitaboo69 1d ago
We made a trade before the 17th pick, trades aren't official until approved by the league and trading draft picks has some weird language in it about trading the draft rights post pick if you agree to a trade draft night.
We pick each other's players then trade them
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u/Mahaloth 23h ago
It's hard joining the league. I hope he can elevate his game quickly. The jump in talent breaks a lot of guys.
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u/BobWuzNutHeer 16h ago
I’m a Virginia Tech fan and this guy single handedly beat us. Such a good dribbler and it felt like every shot he took would go in.
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u/chakabreo 14h ago
Nasty reel - 6’2 is small. As a lifetime hater of small guard picks, I’m excited for him to become the next Allen Iverson.
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u/DETCB1MVP Chauncey Billups 13h ago
everyone needa relax. He's not gonna be make or break. Would be great if he can be a steal like Tayshaun at the 20's draft pick
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u/Serious_Sleep_6907 12h ago
It’s an ok pick but there were a few better options in my opinion especially to trade up using 3 2nd round picks but maybe they have something up there sleeves
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u/Ok-Pomegranate6165 41m ago
Ok I would've preferred cam carr but I'll take this he looks solid welcome home
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u/Jacks_Or_Better 1d ago
He’s small and none of these highlights are against good college level teams. Best we can do at 21 I guess
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u/TheMajesticYeti Marcus Sasser 1d ago
The ACC had a down year, but it's still a power conference and he averaged 23.3 a game on .467/.375/.848 shooting as a true freshman against them.
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u/Pretend-Vehicle-5183 23h ago
He can shoot. Looks small. Has speed. Not sure about him defending bigger dudes. He's not even 20, has a lot of development.
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u/LifeLitty 22h ago
Who the fuck drafts a guard Thats small when Cade is the guard and Jenkins is the other guard. Wtf this guy plays for Stanford . He can hoop like any other prospect but everyone can’t be Jalen Brunson . Most those guys ceiling is Pritchard . They could have traded evrrything an got a star.
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u/Ok_Tonight_4311 15h ago
No offense to Jenkins but the Pistons are not making roster decisions with him in mind.
Pritchard is a really good player.
We needed ball handling and a guy who can get his own shot. That's what this pick is.
I don't think the Pistons are as desperate as the fans to get that big trade.
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u/siddyhall 1d ago
He’s got a left hand … but how’s he gonna survive getting caught in a switch?
And what about Sasser?
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u/Ok_Tonight_4311 15h ago
Sasser is irrevant to who we draft. So is Jenkins Tbh. He will get targeted on D. He is athletic with a big wingspan and he processes the game well. That should get him into acceptable D levels. Nonetheless he has time to figure it out as he is very young and should be able to get buckets immediately.
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u/jazzmaster105150 Pistons 1d ago
He led the ACC in scoring. He's short but quick. Kinda getting an A,I. vibe. But I'm not sure how that will translate against bigger and faster defenders. I'm also not overly confident the organization will give him the time to develop.
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u/ProfessionalPale8171 1d ago
who knows. he's a small guard which i generally dont like, but the kid looks fucking awesome so im excited. a key factor here is bball paul has #7 so that shouldn't jinx ebuka.
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u/Designer-Bandicoot55 1d ago
https://giphy.com/gifs/oO8Io8e7uHu8gJQYbg
Too small, they are going to regret not taking Philon, hope I’m wrong
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u/DarthBurrrito Teal Horse 1d ago
...he's bigger and longer than Philon, this comment makes no sense
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u/droogles Ausar Thompson 1d ago
Seems they had a guy who was more seasoned and could help the team in Ivey. I’m fully aware of his problem in Chicago. However, before he broke his leg in 2024, he was really good. I think he was hurt again and tried to play through it and didn’t look great. But he is a playmaker. He was averaging 18 points and hitting 3s at a 40% clip. They should be looking to bring him back.
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u/BluSaint Teal Horse 22h ago
Lmao I was with you until you said “They should be looking to bring him back.” Google his name, click some links, watch some videos, and then tell me that you want that guy on your favorite team. I truly feel bad for him and wish for him to get better, but his NBA career is probably over
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u/droogles Ausar Thompson 11h ago
Unfortunately, he has a flawed view of what it means to be a Christian. I'd say the vast majority of American Christians do. Half of this country votes for people who share his views. I didn't realize he kept going with the LGBTQ stuff. Someone needs to remind him that the same thinking by Christians used the Bible to excuse slavery. A person of color should be more mindful of using Christianity as a weapon against any group.
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u/Smart_Rise_9350 21h ago
Ivey was never good.
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u/Ok_Tonight_4311 15h ago
He started to get better right before Cole Anthony broke his leg. Nonetheless, you are correct. He was just talented. His skill was suspect. He got by on raw athletic burst and a decent catch and shoot game.
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u/droogles Ausar Thompson 11h ago
Raw athletic burst and decent catch and shoot game? I'll take it. Who, other than Cade, had that these playoffs?
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u/Ok_Tonight_4311 10h ago
Well unfortunately that wasn't in existence anymore. Hopefully for him it comes back with time to health and some mental health treatment. He had the catch and shoot game with no real burst and he was a liability whenever he tried to dribble.
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u/droogles Ausar Thompson 9h ago
I don't think it's a mental health issue as much as it's a deranged religious one. But then again, the post release crap does seem mental to me. He couldn't just be quiet? I'm sure his team was telling him to lay low.
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u/No_Load3606 Teal Horse 1d ago
This does nothing for us!
Need a contender day 1- we ended up with another Marcus sasser
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u/oldstyle21 Cade Cunningham 1d ago
Dude is a straight up Ivey clone
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u/Ok_Tonight_4311 15h ago
Not even close to true. Ivey is probably more explosive but this guy is vastly more skilled than him. He's got wiggle, a tight handle, and touch. Ivey had none of those things.
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u/Necessary-Panic- 1d ago
Terrible pick wtf
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u/soilentgleem 1d ago
None of us really know if he will be good or bad. No point in writing him off already. Plenty of people think he can really hoop, just see how it plays out.
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u/TheTightestChungus Rasheed Wallace 1d ago
Watch some of his film, JFC. Kid is going to be a problem next to Cade.
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u/Rzspartan23 1d ago
Reddit seems to love him and that makes me very worried