<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">[IMGL]http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/6951/draftbn9.jpg[/IMGL] AUBURN HILLS -- Pistons president Joe Dumars has made his feelings clear about the importance of this draft. With the 15th pick Thursday, Dumars is looking to get a player who can step in and contribute -- next season. "Like Joe has said over and over, we need to add youth and energy to our team," said John Hammond, vice president of basketball. "It can be at any position, on the perimeter or in the frontcourt. We are looking to get a player that will be capable of getting on the floor immediately. We are not looking at a project-type player with the 15th pick." There are a couple of reasons why this draft is so critical for the Pistons. One, the average age of the team's core group is 30. Two, the Pistons have drafted two immediate impact players -- Mehmet Okur and Tayshaun Prince -- in the last 10 years. "We are sitting in a good position," Dumars said via e-mail Monday. "We are looking to really upgrade our team through this draft, with youth, athleticism, energy, depth and toughness." The Pistons have two picks in the first round -- 15 and 27 -- as well as the 57th pick. Dumars said he wasn't zeroed in on any particular positional need. Typically, if the Pistons drafted a perimeter player at 15, they would most likely go for a front-court player at 27. This year, with the talent pool so deep, the Pistons likely would take the best available player at both spots, regardless of position. And, if history holds, the Pistons will use the 57th pick to draft a European project, somebody they can hold the rights to without giving up a roster spot.</div> <div align="center">Source: DetNews.com</div>
