Big Red Louie
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5 Louisville basketball stars who deserved more time in the NBA

By Jacob Lane

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 12: Russ Smith #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies and teammate Jeff Green #32 walk off the court after losing to the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on March 12, 2015 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 12: Russ Smith #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies and teammate Jeff Green #32 walk off the court after losing to the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center on March 12, 2015 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 16: Peyton Siva #34 of the Detroit Pistons gathers a loose ball under pressure from Taj Gibson #22 of the Chicago Bulls during a preseason game at the United Center on October 16, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Pistons 96-81. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 16: Peyton Siva #34 of the Detroit Pistons gathers a loose ball under pressure from Taj Gibson #22 of the Chicago Bulls during a preseason game at the United Center on October 16, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Pistons 96-81. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

5. Peyton Siva

NBA Career: 2013-14, 24 games played, 2.3 ppg, 1.4 pg

Teams: Detroit Pistons

After an incredible four-year career at Louisville where he helped lead the Cards to two Final Four appearances and the program’s first national championship since 1986, Peyton Siva had everything needed to become a long-time NBA point guard.

While he wasn’t a top 15-20 pick, or a first-rounder even, Siva had the talent and proven college production to be a second-round pick who developed into a role player/back-up point guard. There was the crazy athleticism that we saw time and time again, speed that made him one of the most unstoppable players in the full-court, playmaking and as Jay Bilas says “true point guard skills”, defensive abilities, as well as the leadership and a winners mentality that you look for in a champion.

With the 56th pick overall, the Detroit Pistons selected Siva giving him the opportunity to make a team that was trending towards a complete rebuild following years of being one of the best teams in the NBA. The Pistons had gone 29-53 leading up to the 2013 Draft and made a new move at head coach and GM, thus signaling a new era in Siva’s first year.

Playing in only 24 games over the 2013-14 season, Siva never really got a fair chance to prove what he was capable of doing playing behind then rising sensation Brandon Jennings and veteran Will Bynum. He averaged 9.3 minutes per night, scoring just 2.3 points and dishing out 1.4 assists. It was clear that Siva wasn’t quite ready to play at that level, at least right away, as he struggled most of the time he was on the floor shooting just 31 percent from the field and 28 percent from the three-point line.

The Pistons would waive Siva after one season, despite a strong showing in the Orlando Summer League in his second offseason, and he’d never latch on again with an NBA team. Siva showed a lot more promise in the NBA Development League playing for the Erie Bayhawks, averaging 13.4 points and 6.9 assists per game.

From there Siva would spend time in Italy before moving to Germany to play for ALBA Berlin where he has spent the last several seasons, winning a championship just a few days ago.

Siva has improved his game mightily since playing overseas and while he’ll probably never make the jump back to the NBA, it’s a shame no one else ever gave him a chance after his short stint with Detroit.

At 6’0, it’s hard for a team to justify having such a small guard who isn’t capable of playing both spots and defending both spots, but Siva’s ability to lead a team is special and there’s no doubt he could develop into a backup point guard if given time to develop. His earning potential is likely much higher in Germany or anywhere in the Euroleague, so it’s very unlikely we’ll ever see Siva play stateside again.

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