SB Nation's latest 2011 NBA mock draft was released earlier this week. Like Chad Ford's last mock draft, it has the Detroit Pistons selecting Jonas Valanciunas, a center from Lithuania.
The reasoning for this selection is pretty straightforward: Valanciunas would be a "strong pick" for Detroit. He also would be a good addition to the Pistons' roster as a big man to go along with Greg Monroe. While somebody like Tristan Thompson from Texas could be an option for the Pistons (or Bismack Biyombo, who is the No. 7 pick in SB Nation's mock draft), Valanciunas has more upside and potential, as Ford said last week.
If Valanciunas actually falls this far in the 2011 NBA Draft, it would be surprising if the Pistons don't take him. They have a need for another post player, and although there is no guarantee Valanciunas would leave Europe and join the team next season, he would be a good pick for the future.