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How do the Detroit Pistons stack up in the East?

By Anthony Morgan

Apr 10, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy during the game against the Indiana Pacers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy during the game against the Indiana Pacers at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 27, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) is congratulated by Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) after scoring a three pointer against the Charlotte Hornets during overtime at Verizon Center. The Wizards won in double overtime 110 – 107. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) is congratulated by Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) after scoring a three pointer against the Charlotte Hornets during overtime at Verizon Center. The Wizards won in double overtime 110 – 107. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington

The Wizards replaced Paul Pierce with Jared Dudley. I’m looking for Dudley to impress in a contract year providing support at the three and the four. The Wizards were able to acquire Kelly Oubre Jr on a draft night trade but I think he’s another long-term project–despite his Summer League success in Las Vegas– who will have the benefit of coming along slowly behind Otto Porter Jr and Dudley.

I was expecting a little more from Bradley Beal last season.

He was good when he was healthy for the most part, but he really needs to show a little more consistency over the course of the regular season. If he can average 20-points a game and John Wall continues to take strides as one of the truly elite point guards, they have the makings of the best back court in the league.

Nene and his expiring contract may prove to be valuable at the deadline if they plan on going small ball like they did when they had Paul Pierce play the four for stretches during the playoffs.

I’m projecting 45-50 wins, which should be good enough for fifth in the East.

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