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NBA Mock Draft Has Pistons Picking Up Player With Viral Combine Moment

The Pistons were recently predicted to pick up a player who went viral after his vertical jump at the NBA Draft Combine.
Justin Grasso|
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) holds the ball against the Florida Gators during the second half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) holds the ball against the Florida Gators during the second half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

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Detroit PistonsAuburn Tigers

When the 2025 NBA Draft rolls around, the Detroit Pistons are going to be waiting a while before they go on the clock. Barring a trade into the first round, Trajan Langdon’s front office won’t be making a pick until day two in the second round.

Following the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, ESPN released a mock draft, which featured the Pistons picking up the Auburn center, Johni Broome. Not long after Broome was predicted to land with Detroit in the second round, the 22-year-old center went viral after his vertical jump at the NBA Draft Combine.

The center out of Auburn ended up finishing with a vertical leap of 24.5 inches, according to Yahoo Sports.

While it’s not the best look, combine testing doesn’t make or break a prospect’s chances of getting drafted. At the end of the day, what Broome put on tape in the NCAA will matter the most to front offices.

Broome has plenty of tape after wrapping up his fifth season with the Tigers. This past season, Broome averaged 30 minutes of playing time in 36 games. He posted averages of 19 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Broome made 51 percent of his shots from the field.

No matter who the Pistons grab in round two, that player is far from a lock to land notable playing time in 2025-2026. As the Pistons have entered the Eastern Conference’s playoff spotlight, the Pistons are tightening up the rotation, making it more difficult for developmental prospects to gain playing time.

Broome could see some notable playing time in the NBA G League for his rookie effort.

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

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