By John McMullen, NBA Editor

(Sports Network) - Two years ago the Pistons got talented young big man Greg Monroe with the seventh overall pick and followed that up with promising young point guard Brandon Knight at No. 8 in 2011.

Now Detroit hopes to avoid the lottery all together in 2013 with the help of the ninth overall selection this time around.

The Pistons made progress in Lawrence Frank's first season on the bench in the Motor City and figure to look for a defensive-minded big this time around to compliment Monroe, who is more of an offensive player.

A pair of North Carolina players, power forward John Henson and his huge wingspan, along with center Tyler Zeller, or Illinois center Meyers Leonard could be the type of defensive stoppers and rebounders that could help alongside Monroe.

Players under contract: C: Greg Monroe; G: Rodney Stuckey; G: Brandon Knight; G: Ben Gordon; F: Charlie Villanueva; F: Tayshaun Prince; F: Jonas Jerebko; G: Will Bynum; F: Austin Daye

Free agents: F: Vernon Macklin (restricted); F: Jason Maxiell (unrestricted, player option); G: Walker Russell Jr. (restricted); F/C: Ben Wallace; G/F: Damien Wilkins

Recent Draft History: 2011: Brandon Knight (8), Kyle Singler (33), Vernon Macklin (52) 2010: Greg Monroe (7), Terrico White (36) 2009: Austin Daye (15), DaJuan Summers (35), Jonas Jerebko (39), Chase Budinger (44) 2008: D.J. White (29) 2007: Rodney Stuckey (15), Arron Afflalo (27), Sammy Mejia (57)

Draft picks: 1st round (9th overall), 2nd round (39th overall, 44th overall)

06/25 13:42:29 ET