The Detroit Pistons enjoyed a 60-win season and reached the second round of the playoffs last year, but they may have fallen behind some of the Eastern Conference’s biggest offseason winners, via Hunter Patterson of The Athletic.
Detroit is still expected to be among the East’s top teams, provided restricted free agent Jalen Duren returns.
An early projection places the Pistons fourth in the conference behind the defending champion Knicks, the revamped 76ers and the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Heat, with a projected 53-29 record.
Philadelphia’s additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, along with Miami landing Antetokounmpo, have reshaped the conference, while Cleveland’s quiet offseason and Toronto’s lack of offensive depth leave Detroit narrowly ahead of both teams.
The Pistons strengthened their roster by acquiring John Collins, Isaiah Joe, Gary Harris and Tauren Prince, while also drafting Ebuka Okorie and trading Isaiah Stewart to Memphis.
Collins is expected to become Detroit’s second scoring option behind Cade Cunningham if Duren returns.
The team’s ceiling could ultimately depend on Ausar Thompson’s continued development.
After posting career highs in steals and assists last season, the 23-year-old has the potential to become a more complete offensive player while maintaining his defensive impact.
Detroit is also counting on internal growth from Ron Holland II, Chaz Lanier, Daniss Jenkins and a healthy Kevin Huerter as it looks to remain one of the Eastern Conference’s top contenders.
