2022-23 Season Preview: Detroit Pistons

October 4, 2022

Will Cade Cunningham (far left) and Detroit’s younger core show to be a future contender within the East this season?

Rebuilding is a superbly acceptable choice for groups in dire want of expertise and expertise, and that would be the Pistons’ focus once more this season. Inside that, although, there must be tangible progress and Detroit is at that time. After three straight seasons (2019-22) of 20, 20 and 23 victories, it’s time for one thing resembling a push – say, for a Play-In spot – to present all of the youth and growth some actual context.

The Pistons appear to suppose so, too, with their acquisition proper earlier than coaching camp of Utah’s Bojan Bogdanović for Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee. Bogdanović is a participant who might assist a number of contenders, so it appears to sign at the very least a need on Detroit’s half to be feisty. After their 12-45 begin dug too massive a gap final season, they did go 11-14 within the remaining 25.

Onerous because it is perhaps to consider, the Pistons’ core received even youthful with lottery picks 20-year-old Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren (18). Others solidly within the pipeline embody Cade Cunningham, Isaiah Stewart and Killian Hayes (all 21), with 23-year-olds Saddiq Bey and Marvin Bagley III. There already is a crying want for a pecking order, so including extra youngsters with excessive picks holds little attraction in comparison with honing a couple of successful habits.


BIGGEST QUESTION

How will the Pistons increase their 3-point sport? Make no mistake, it wants work. Detroit ranked twenty sixth in made threes final season and 29 in accuracy (32.6%). The Pistons have been 9-for-39 once they didn’t hit greater than the opposite guys in a sport. They usually solely reached 40% as a staff 15 instances. There are candidates to spice up the long-range sport, comparable to Bogdanović, Burks and Bey, but it surely has to suit right into a scheme that fits their teammates.


SEASON PREDICTION

OK already, the cabinet isn’t naked anymore. Actually, it’s the alternative. The difficult half for the Pistons will likely be nurturing alongside all that younger expertise on the identical time, just like the leisure of a plate-spinner on an outdated selection present. Cunningham and Ivey, if really precocious right here and now, can propel Detroit towards the East’s Last 4 – these remaining 4 postseason-hopeful spots of the Play-In. However tenth place nonetheless is perhaps a slot too excessive. Projection: Draft lottery.


1 KEY STAT TO KNOW

+7.8 — The Pistons have been the league’s most improved staff after the All-Star break final season, 7.8 factors per 100 possessions higher than they have been be earlier than the break (minus-2.2 vs. minus-10.0).

— John Schuhmann


PROJECTED STARTING FIVE

Cade Cunningham: A late begin final season restricted him to 64 video games, however his factors (1,114), rebounds (354) and assists (356) totals have been reached solely by 5 different rookies via 64 video games in NBA historical past: Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, Alvan Adams, LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

Jaden Ivey: The No. 5 decide would possibly earn beginning spot along with his athletic potential however he’ll maintain it if his sport matures.

Saddiq Bey: Labored this offseason on bettering throughout the board, decided to flex a extra balanced sport.

Marvin Bagley III: What Detroit noticed in his 18-game pattern after arriving from Sacramento on the February commerce deadline earned him a three-year deal.

Isaiah Stewart: Undersized overachiever is hoping to stretch his offense out to 3-point vary.


KEY RESERVES

Bojan Bogdanović: Veteran sniper has began in all 365 of his appearances the previous 5 seasons however at 33, is perhaps suited to a bench position.

Alec Burks: An skilled choice ought to Ivey need assistance at taking pictures guard.

Killian Hayes: His protection is forward of his offense after two years, with enchancment within the latter key to his minutes.

Cory Joseph: In his twelfth NBA season, the purpose guard brings expertise to a particularly younger backcourt.

Isaiah Livers: His protection and taking pictures over the ultimate two months recommend a rotation spot.


LAST 5 SEASONS

How the Pistons have fared stats-wise during the last 5 seasons …

Season
W
L
PCT
OffRtg
Rank
DefRtg
Rank
NetRtg
Rank
Playoffs
2021-22
23
59
0.280
105.6
28
113.3
24
-7.7
26
2020-21
20
52
0.278
107.6
26
112.2
19
-4.5
25
2019-20
20
46
0.303
108.8
20
112.3
22
-3.5
23
2018-19
41
41
0.500
108.4
21
108.7
12
-0.3
16
X
2017-18
39
43
0.476
106.6
19
106.7
10
-0.1
19

OffRtg = Factors scored per 100 possessions
DefRtg = Factors allowed per 100 possessions
NetRtg = Level differential per 100 possessions

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Steve Aschburner has written in regards to the NBA since 1980. You possibly can e-mail him right here, discover his archive right here and follow him on Twitter.

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