The Detroit Pistons drafted two small forwards to back up Tayshaun Prince this season. The 29-year old Prince played in all 82 games for the Pistons last season and he averaged 37.3 minutes, 14.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. He is a elite defensive player and he has the skills to average around 17-20 points per game if he were a little more selfish. But he is a team player who cares more about winning than his own stats. He will be a good example for the kids in their rookie seasons. 21-year old Austin Daye was the Pistons’ first round pick (#15) out of Gonzaga. He is built just like Prince as he stands at 6′11″, 200 pounds so he needs to get into the weight room and work hard so he won’t get pushed around in the NBA. 21-year old DaJaun Summers was the 5th pick of the 2nd round of the NBA Draft out of Georgetown. He has a little more sand in his shoes than Daye does as he is 6′8″, 240 pounds. 33-year old Maceo Baston will be also competing for a spot at small forward but he is a longshot to make the team. Baston played in 27 games for the Pacers last season and he averaged 8.0 minutes, 2.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE SMALL FORWARDS IN 2009-2010: B