Changes have come in downtown Detroit. First, the Detroit Pistons will be hosting the 29 NBA teams in their newly constructed Little Caesars Arena starting this September. During the NBA Draft, the Pistons unveiled their primary red, white and blue logo.
A new chapter of the franchise’s history has unfolded during the offseason. Unfortunately, rebuilding the Pistons’ roster was the last item on the wish list.
The Pistons managed only to make the playoffs twice since losing the Eastern Conference Finals to the eventual 2008 NBA champions, the Boston Celtics.
On both playoff appearances, the Pistons made early exits after being swept in the first round. But with a depleted roster, chances are the Pistons headed for another early exit.
The Pistons roster
From last year’s roster, the Pistons lost two starters, namely Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (free agency) and Marcus Morris (via trade), and backup forward Aron Baynes (free agency). Good thing, they got Avery Bradley on the Morris trade to replace Caldwell-Pope.
Avery Bradley is expected to start at No. 2, joining Andre Drummond (C) and Reggie Jackson (PG) in the starting lineup. However, Jackson remains questionable whether he can resume the starting point guard role as he is still recovering from left knee tendinitis.
According to Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy, Jackson will have limited participation during training camp. Good thing they have Ish Smith who could take over Jackson’s job should there be a need for extended rest.
Completing the Pistons’ starting lineup could be Tobias Harris who will slide back to his natural small forward spot and Jon Leuer at No.
4. Depending on rookie Luke Kennard’s performance at the training camp, Van Gundy can go small by sliding Harris at No. 4 and the rookie at No. 3, creating a three-guard backcourt.
The good and bad
Unfortunately, that’s all there is for the Pistons -- they have an "average" starting lineup compared to the other 29 NBA teams.
Sad to say, their bench does not offer enough depth. The Pistons haven’t gotten any luck in the NBA Draft since picking Drummond and Caldwell-Pope. And getting high-profile free agents becomes quite elusive each year.
Then there’s Drummond’s free throw shooting problem. Add to the fact that Jackson might not be able to play 100 percent healthy for a couple of months due to injury. This could be the best thing that could happen for the Detroit Pistons -- a higher chance of landing one of the top three picks in next year’s NBA Draft.
