DETROIT PISTONS: 28.5 WINS – UNDER
Key Additions
- Monty Williams (Coach)
- Ausar Thompson (draft)
- Joe Harris (trade)
- Monte Morris (trade)
Key Subtractions
- Coach Dwane Casey
Rotation
- Guards
- Cade Cunningham, Monte Morris, Jaden Ivey, Killian Hayes
- Wings
- Ausar Thompson, Alec Burks, Joe Harris
- Forwards
- Bojan Bogdanovic, Marvin Bagley
- Bigs
- Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, James Wiseman
Random thoughts, opinions, comments, declarations, queries, editorials, etc.
They do have reason for optimism in Detroit. But it’s unrealistic to expect a massive improvement just because Cade is healthy and they decided to outbid themselves to the tune of 6 years for $78.5 million for Monty’s services. He’s a good coach, definitely. Possibly top 10 in the league. But $13mil/year good? Ehhhh, I don’t think so, Tim.
That aside, the truth is a really like a lot of these players. If Cade is healthy, he’s already a borderline all-star. Though I’m not high on Duren or Wiseman or Beef Stew, I am super high on Ivey. I think he’s Westbrook with a J. A “Cade & Jade” backcourt could dominate for years to come. And if Ausar can hit the corner 3, then watch out. But word around the league is that Troy Weaver and Pistons ownership expect significant improvements this year, and perhaps even compete for a play-in spot. I wish it were true, but they’re a couple years away.
Last Year – Interesting Stats:
- 17-65, 15th in the East
- 29th in PTS/G: 110.3
- 27th in Opp PTS/G: 118.5
- 28th in Offensive Rating
- 28th in Defensive Rating
- Cade Cunningham has played in 76 out of a possible 164 games so far
Keys to Success:
Miracles happen, hell freezes over, pigs start flying, etc., Ivey and Duren each take a leap, Ausar is ready to play from day 1, Cade stays healthy
Potential Obstacles:
A roster with 4 centers all under the age of 24, Ivey and Jalen and Killian all stagnate, Cade gets frustrated with injuries and losing, whispers start to come out that he may not want to resign
Hot takes:
- Monty plays Morris, Bogdanovic, and Burks in crunch time
- Jaden & Ausar bust their ass to gain Monty’s trust
- Bagley and Wiseman do not
- Marvin Bagley’s dad demands a trade midseason
- No market for Marvin, but there is for Bogdanovic, he’s traded by the deadline, along with Burks, Joe Harris, and possibly Killian Hayes
STANDINGS PREDICTION: 14TH IN THE EAST
