[Saba Sports News] While the Detroit Pistons famously chose to pass on Carmelo Anthony in the 2003 NBA Draft, they have now made a different move by hiring one of Anthony’s former college teammates. According to a report by Mike Waters of the Post-Standard, the Pistons have brought on board ex-Syracuse standout Hakim Warrick. At 41 years old, Warrick will take on the role of a scout for Detroit.
Warrick is most renowned for his significant contributions to Syracuse’s 2003 national championship-winning team. During that season, he served as a starting player and averaged 14.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Notably, Warrick secured a game-saving block against Kansas guard Michael Lee’s potential game-tying three-point shot in the NCAA title game.
Subsequently, he was selected in the first round of the 2005 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies as the 19th overall pick. Warrick went on to have an eight-year NBA career with six different teams before continuing his professional career overseas.
The Pistons, who have recently entered a new era with the hiring of head coach Monty Williams, have a history of embracing figures from the past. Just last year, they added another former player who had his peak years in the 2000s.