2013 Central Division Position Power Ranking: Small Forwards

2.) Detroit Pistons

Oct 12, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Detroit Pistons small forward Josh Smith (6) drives the lane against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half of the preseason game at Barclays Center. The Pistons won the game 99-88 Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Small Forwards:

– Josh Smith

Production: 2012-2013 season: 17.5 PPG; 8.4 RPG; 4.2 APG

Value: 4-years – $54 million; $13.5 million this season

Projection: 2013-2014 season: 18.4 PPG; 7.9 RPG; 3.9 APG

– Luigi Datome:

**Production: 2012-2013 season: 16.6 PPG; 5.8 RPG; 47% FG; 41% 3FG (Overseas)

Value: 2-years – $3.5 million; $1.75 million this season

Projection: 2013-2014 season: 6.2 PPG; 1.2 RPG; 41%; 40% 3FG

– Detroit did some major reshaping of their roster this offseason, revamping their two biggest weaknesses from 2012-2013. They added point guard Brandon Jennings from Milwaukee, and added forward Josh Smith from Atlanta to help hold down the frontline. Smith, mostly known as a power big, will have to adjust his game to the three position for the Pistons to be successful in 2014.

A frontline of Smith, Monroe, and Drummond will bully opponents all night on the glass, as we’ve already seen this preseason. Along with the addition of Josh Smith at small forward, Detroit GM Joe Dumars brought in a much-needed shooter to help spread the floor. Luigi Datome, who comes over from Italy, was the Italian League MVP in 2013, leading his team to a championship. Datome is also known throughout the world as potentially the best shooter in all of Europe, he shot at a 41% clip last season from beyond the arc.

Nobody knows how Josh Smith will adjust to the small forward position, so everybody is in a “wait and see” mind-set when it comes to how good Detroit could be this year. Should be fun to watch at the Palace!