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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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Apr 30, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Playoff signage prior to game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Chicago won 120-66. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Playoff signage prior to game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Chicago won 120-66. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

In the Hunt

There you have it, seven teams that should be levels ahead of any other team in the east. Where do the Pistons fall in all of this. Detroit should be in the hunt for the eight seed, unfortunately for Detroit, four other teams are in a similar place.

Again in no particular order.

Boston – Surprised everyone last season by finishing seventh in the East. They project to be a better team with acquisitions of David Lee and Amir Johnson. They  still lack a superstar, but they have the assets to make a trade that could push them into the playoffs. Until that happens they are on the outside looking in for me.

Charlotte – I liked the moves the Hornets made this offseason. Trading for  Nicolas Batum and then drafting Frank Kaminsky were solid moves. They have depth now with the likes of Tyler Hansbrough, Spencer Hawes, and Jeremy Lin coming off the bench. Getting rid of the artist formally known as Lance Stephenson may prove to be a blessing (see Josh Smith).

Brooklyn – It’s hard to look at their current roster and get excited for their chances of making the playoffs. They owe next season’s first round pick to Boston so they can’t afford to miss the playoffs by much. Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young return– and I do like the look of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson–but I struggle to believe the rest of the squad has it in them to be anything better than 10th or 11th in the East, They need to get plenty from the likes of Jarrett Jack and Andrea Bargnani which is never a good sign.

Indiana – The Pacers go as far as Paul George can take them. If he bounces back from his severe leg injury then they will be hard to knock off in that chase to the playoffs. The acquisitions of Monta Ellis and Jordan Hill were moves that will keep them competitive and Myles Turner has shown a lot of potential in the Summer League. It still boils down to what Paul George is able to do.

Taking the above into account, the Pistons have a battle on their hands to make the playoffs. I believe most fans will consider anything but the playoffs as a big disappointment.

If either Andre Drummond or Reggie Jackson (preferably both) can take a leap this coming season to all-star status, than I believe the Pistons are have every chance to compete with the likes of Charlotte, Boston and Indiana for that final spot.

How do you feel about the Pistons chances of making the playoffs this season?

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