1.) Josh Smith
January 4, 2013; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Atlanta Hawks small forward Josh Smith (5) dunks the ball on Detroit Pistons center Greg Monroe (10) in the first quarter at The Palace. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
– After signing a 4-year $54 million deal with Detroit this offseason, Smith became the best Piston on the roster since he inked his deal July 10th. The Pistons get one of the most athletic forwards in the league in Smith, and one of 2 players in the NBA to average over 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists a game, the other you ask, LeBron James.
Smith will have to drastically improve his outside shooting this season to help make the Smith-Monroe-Drummond frontcourt a success. Shooting 27% from deep will not cut it for the Pistons this season. Josh posses an ability to handle the ball very well for a big man, which will help make the transition from power forward to small forward that much easier for Smith.
J-Smoove and the Pistons expect big things in 2014, as they should. This roster has the makings for a playoff appearance and anything else will be a failure.
Get excited Piston fans, there is something special brewing at the Palace in 2014.