By: Matt Dery

I have been saying this on the air since late November but I must repeat it in print: The Pistons need Ben McLemore. The redshirt freshman guard from Kansas is an absolute stud and would be the perfect fit for this basketball team next season. He is athletic, he is a winner, and McLemore is exactly what Detroit needs. The Pistons are making some progress, but they still lack that wing player that can make a major difference. Trust me when I tell you, McLemore is that guy.

Kansas is number 4 in the country right now for a lot of reasons. The Jayhawks are once again the class of the Big 12 and Bill Self always seems to get the most out of his players. But it is McLemore that makes them a viable National Championship contender. He’s 6-5 with some serious hops, but is also very smooth on the floor and plays with smarts that Joe Dumars always looks for in a college prospect. Last night against Baylor, he barely touched the ball in the first 7-8 minutes of the game. The team was rolling and he was doing the little things, screening and rebounding, before he really got into the flow of the game. Then, boom. A little runner in the lane and then he knocks down a corner three off of a loose ball situation. ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla pointed out during the broadcast just how good his form is when #23 squares up to shoot a jumper. McLemore ended up with 17 pts and 8 rebounds and a sprained ankle too which ended his night early.
Self says they hope it’s just a 2-3 day injury and trust me, NBA scouts hope that is all it is as well.

Ben McLemore may be the number 1 in pick in the June draft. It sure would be nice if the Pistons were able to finally get some luck in the lottery and land this kid.