After going 43-111 over the past two years, tied with the Magic for the second-worst record in the NBA over that span, the Pistons are one of the rebuilding teams hoping to take a step forward in 2022/23. General manager Troy Weaver has completely reshaped the roster since being hired on June 18, 2020, and the trade for Bojan Bogdanovic showed Detroit is serious about improving in both the short and long term.
The starting lineup features several recent first-round picks, including Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart (Bogdanovic is the fifth starter). The reserves include a couple more recent first-rounders in Killian Hayes and Jalen Duren, plus veterans Cory Joseph, Hamidou Diallo, Kevin Knox and Rodney McGruder.
Marvin Bagley III (knee), Alec Burks (wrist) and Nerlens Noel (foot) are currently sidelined with injuries, but second-year forward Isaiah Livers (hip) has been removed from the team’s injury report and could make his debut in Saturday’s game against the Pacers, according to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic (Twitter link).
The Pistons have gotten off to a 1-1 start thus far, with a close victory over Orlando and then a blowout loss to the Knicks. Ivey and Duren, both lottery picks this year (No. 5 and No. 13) have been surprisingly effective for rookies in the early going. Ivey has averaged 18.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 6.5 APG and 1.5 SPG on .519/.375/1.000 shooting (30.5 MPG), while Duren has put up 11.0 PPG, 10.0 RPG and 1.5 BPG in 22 MPG.
There’s definitely talent on the roster, with Cunningham, last year’s No. 1 overall pick, headlining the group. Bogdanovic helps improve the team’s shooting, which has been a major weakness (the Pistons finished 29th in both two-point and three-point percentage last season).
Still, the East is stacked with strong teams, including (in no particular order) the Celtics, Bucks, Sixers, Raptors, Hawks, Cavs, Heat, Nets and Bulls. I liked the Knicks’ free agent additions of Jalen Brunson and Isaiah Hartenstein, and the Wizards should be better than last season’s 35-win campaign if they’re healthy, so it seems like the Pistons might have a difficult time finishing better than 12th in the standings unless there is major internal development.
In our over/unders last month, 51.6% of our voters predicted the Pistons to finish with more than 28.5 wins (they finished 23-59 in ’21/22).
That brings us to our question of the day. What’s a reasonable goal for the Pistons this season? Do you think they have a shot at the play-in tournament if things go well, or is it a year too early? Would an incremental step forward, like winning 30 or so games, be considered a success?
Head to the comments section and let us know what you think.
Detroit Pistons easily had the best Draft of any team. Troy Weaver is doing a excellent job. I like what Dwane Casey is doing with the team. I love to see a black GM and black head coach working together. Black is so beautiful!!! Let’s go Detroit. I’m rooting for them.
Jaden Ivey is going to give Paolo Banchero a run for his money for the rookie of the year.
the money is guaranteed regardless.
Goal? LOL. Ask them, they seem to like losing. If winning is now a good thing, then the goal should be to make the post-season. In a league where 2/3rds of the teams are in the post-season, and another 20% are tanking, that’s not a very lofty goal.
Detroit are building something nice.
Cade and Jaden are special talents.
Mentioned it before and I’ll mention it again but Draymond Green.
Heard a rumour he was looking at going home which for him is Michigan and would be the Pistons. Obviously there was the Jordan Poole incident and then both Poole and Wiggins got extensions. I think it would be a good move in the legacy of Draymond Green to move back there while he’s still got something left in the tank and can help those young guys before they all pop off. Draymond would be huge for them, on the court he’s great at both ends. He would help Cade and Jaden create better looks for his teammates and get easier buckets. He’s also great at setting screens not cause he bodies guys but cause he’s so smart he gives you a screens and rolls off constantly adjusting which creates lanes and openings. Then at the defensive end we already know what he brings there. He’s an excellent communicator, knows everyone plays and players moves and can switch and play any position.
Not that it’ll happen so early in the season but I think if Dray did lean towards leaving either in FA or via trade GSW would also have some interest in what Detroit could possible offer. Bogan is a simple filler that would also be a good role player. Killian Hayes is a former top pick which they might like, plus they have picks they could offer.
Say it does happen I really think Draymond although he’s not a top 10 guy or some elite scorer he’s a difference maker and a leader. As these young guys get better aswell, I think he could turn this team around and go from being a 25 win team to a 40 win team
Detroit just needs to stay the course, let the kids play and grow together.. “Trust the protcess 2.0” save the money for re-upping internal talent