AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) -- The Pistons didn't expect Marquette big man Henry Ellenson to be available with the 18th overall pick. But when he was, the team jumped on the chance to get the versatile seven-footer.
"I think that's what intrigues them, is my versatility, how they can use me offensively" said Ellenson. "I think I'll bring a lot to this team."
Ellenson added that he's excited for the opportunity to play alongside current Pistons center Andre Drummond.
"It'll be a lot of fun playing with him and the young talent they have here. And I think we'd be fighting for rebounds for sure."
Ellenson, along with second-round pick Michael Gbinije, sported "Bad Boys" hats during Friday's press conference at the suggestion of head coach Stan Van Gundy.
"My mom grew up in Philly, so she was close enough to Detroit to root for them," said Gbinije. "She loved that physical play, and she taught me a lot about the 'Bad Boys', seeing them a lot on DVD and YouTube."
Gbinije says the "Bad Boys" mentality still resonates in 2016.
"It's just a mindset, and I think any team that approaches defense like that is a successful defensive team, so they're definitely a team to look up to."
Van Gundy was asked about the decision to select Gbinije in the second round ahead of the likes of Oakland point guard Kay Felder.
"We liked Kay, but we had Kay a little bit behind (Michael)."
Felder was selected by Atlanta with the 54th overall pick, and ultimately had his draft rights traded to Cleveland.
