A short video recorded by the wife of Detroit Pistons coach Dwane Casey and circulating on social media shows a behind-the-scenes celebration by Casey, his family, team scouts and front office staff.
“One time!” someone shouts.
“Let’s go!” another person adds.
And then the room erupts in celebration. Casey jumps up, pumps his fist and claps his hands.
In the nearly one-minute video, there are high-fives, hugs, and primal “whoos” all around.
For the first time in franchise history, the Pistons won the NBA draft lottery, and earned the No. 1 pick rather than moving down or staying put. The excitement was evident on everyone’s faces.
Read more:
‘Praise God’: Detroit Pistons win NBA draft lottery for 1st time, own No. 1 pick in draft
Draft Cade or trade? Why the Pistons won’t rule anything out with No. 1 pick
Pistons have the No. 1 draft pick, so let’s watch Cade Cunningham highlights
On Twitter, fans commented, among other things, that “Casey deserves this. Love him,” “Casey is about to go to work with this #1. Pistons are gonna be hot in the years to come,” “This is so beautiful,” “I’m not gonna lie, this right here brought a little moisture to my eye!” and “We might not be terrible forever after all.”
The order for the top 14 picks in the 2021 NBA draft, which takes place July 29: Detroit, Houston, Cleveland, Toronto, Orlando, Oklahoma City, Golden State (from Minnesota), Orlando (from Chicago), Sacramento, New Orleans, Charlotte, San Antonio, Indiana, and Golden State.
[ Here’s how you can gain access to our best Pistons coverage for just $1. ]
The Pistons are now positioned to draft the consensus best prospect, Oklahoma State star Cade Cunningham, on July 29. Other top prospects include USC center Evan Mobley, G League Ignite guard Jalen Green and Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs.
Afterward, Pistons general manager Troy Weaver said: “Praise God.”
Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com. Free Press Pistons writer Omari Sankofa II contributed.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dwane Casey’s reaction after Detroit Pistons get 1st pick in NBA draft