The Detroit Pistons have landed the 5th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Despite the groans and disappointment from many Pistons faithful, there are those who trust in GM Troy Weaver to spot the talent necessary to serve as a complimentary piece to superstar, Cade Cunningham.
With that in mind, let’s take a look back at 10 of the best players to be picked 5th in the NBA draft.
De'Aaron Fox - Sacramento Kings - 2017
A speedy playmaker, Fox brought a winning percentage of 47.6 for three straight seasons to the Sacramento Kings, the highest win percentage for the team since 2008.
While Fox may not single-handedly take Sacramento to the playoffs, he’s definitely a good starting piece
DeMarcus Cousins - Sacramento Kings - 2010
“Boogie” has made the rounds in the NBA in hopes of finding that sweet spot for a team that might bring him the championship ring that eludes him.
He came into the league, drafted 5th by the Sacramento Kings in 2010, and quickly became a problem for other teams in the league.
Despite his scoring and defensive ability, as well as physical intimidation factor, Cousins tended to let his emotions regularly get the best of him, which usually caused his ambitions to lead his team to a title to go up in smoke.
Kevin Love - Memphis Grizzlies - 2008
After the draft in ’08, Memphis and Minnesota made a blockbuster trade that saw Kevin Love, the big bodied forward from UCLA, end up with the Timberwolves.
Love proved to be a solid scorer for Minnesota, but their win / loss record wasn’t so great during his run, and injuries saddled Love with time away.
It was the eventual trade to Cleveland to play alongside LeBron James and Kyrie Irving was where Love would find his spot and flourish – eventually leading to an NBA Championship for the star forward.
Charles Barkley - Philadelphia 76ers - 1984
Many of us are used to the comedic and often antagonistic antics between “Chuck” and his rival, Shaquille O’Neal during the NBA On TNT broadcast, but many younger fans forget that Barkley was a bully on the court.
Barkley was All-NBA for 11 of his 16 seasons in the NBA.
A lot of his stats came from his time with his first team, the Philadelphia 76ers.
Barkley did become the league MVP in ’93 during his run with the Phoenix Suns.
Vince Carter - Golden State Warriors - 1998
Carter, hailed in later years as “the vampire of the league” due to his apparent ability to never retire (he did so in 2020), was initially drafted 5th overall in ’98 by the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors traded Carter to the Toronto Raptors where his career took off.
Carter was instrumental in playoff runs for the Raptors, contributing heavy when the struggling franchise needed him the most.
Carter also racked up 8 NBA All-Star apperances, became the ’99 Rookie of the Year as well as the infamous slam dunk champion in 2000.
Ray Allen - Minnesota Timberwolves - 1996
Allen was initially drafted by the Minnesota Timbewolves 5th overall in ’96.
He was immediately traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a trade for Stephon Marbury.
Allen is likely most noted for his championship runs with the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat.
A 10x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA Champion are two of the top accolades to Allen’s impressive resume.
Trae Young - Dallas Mavericks - 2018
Young was initially selected 5th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018, but the Mavs immediately made the trade with Atlanta who had just drafted Luka Doncic 3rd overall.
Neither team lost that trade.
Young is steadily making himself the villain of the NBA and has antagonized many a fan base while dropping buckets on their home court.
The future is bright for Young who is already a 2x NBA All-Star and was in high contention for ROTY.
Kevin Garnett - Minnesota Timberwolves - 1995
“The Big Ticket” was a beast in the paint, an intimidating presence and a consummate trash talker.
Drafted 5th overall by the Timberwolves in ’95, Garnett went on to become an NBA Champion with the Boston Celtics, the 2004 league MVP and a 15x NBA All-Star.
Scottie Pippen - Seattle Supersonics - 1987
Pippen was traded to the Chicago Bulls during the ’87 draft after being selected 5th overall by the Seattle Supersonics.
I’d say the trade worked out in Pippen’s favor.
Pippen served as the greatest complimentary piece to the legendary Michael Jordan.
Pippen is truly one of the greats, a 6x NBA Champion and 7x NBA All-Star.
Dwyane Wade - Miami Heat - 2003
Drafted by the Miami Heat, 5th overall in 2003, it didn’t take South Beach long to see they had a superstar on their hands.
Wade proved to be the spark the Heat needed to get into the rankings of the elite in the eastern conference.
Dwyane has played with a few other teams before his time in the NBA was done, but his last season was a final run with his Miami.
A 3x NBA Champion, NBA Finals MVP and 13x NBA All-Star – Wade will go down in history as one of the greatest to ever play the game.