Detroit Pistons Preview: Expectations

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Oct 14, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) is defended by Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

2. How far away are the Pistons not only competing for a playoff spot, but from actually winning a series?

Shackelford: I don’t think the Pistons can win a playoff series this year. Not unless they finish with a sixth or seventh seed and avoid playing Cleveland. It will probably be another season before the Pistons win a playoff series.

Fredericksen: They’re not close. There’s always the idea that whoever they run into in a playoff hypothetical — Atlanta, Chicago, Washington, whoever — is just playing its worst at the wrong time, but the Pistons aren’t a team built to compete with the Clevelands or, uh, most of the legitimately good teams in the Western Conference. Not yet, at least.

Thielke: They could win one this season. If they aren’t at least on the cusp this season, though, it’s hard to imagine they’ll get in within the next three years.

Smith: They’ll compete this year, but they’re a piece or two away. The bench isn’t great, the defense isn’t great, and their third best player is probably a rookie. They have some work to do, but they’ll be the most enjoyable Pistons team to watch since the Chauncey Billups, Rasheed and Ben Wallace days.

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Davidson: I think the Pistons can make the playoffs this season, and realistically win a playoff series next season. I don’t see them finishing high enough in the East this season to avoid one of the top two seeds in the first round. Next season, however, assuming this young nucleus is as good as I think it can be, they could finish in the middle of the pack and get a more winnable matchup in the first round.

Garrett: From a talent and fit standpoint, Detroit already has what it takes to be a playoff team in the Eastern Conference, however, their schedule and lack of chemistry will prevent it from manifesting. Considering their roster will have at least two new starters and four new rotation pieces, half the schedule is back-to backs and the first 10 games of the season include five 2015 playoff participants, eight contests against teams who finished ahead of the Pistons in 2015 and a six-game west coast road trip, expect setbacks. Unless Detroit makes a move in-season that clearly advances its hopes, the Pistons are a year away from securing that ever-elusive playoff spot.

Brokke: Talent is not the issue. Detroit has plenty to find itself in the postseason. But can SVG get them to be locked-in to play with focus for 48 minutes a night over an 82-game schedule?

Crowder: The Pistons will claim a playoff spot this year. I believe they’ll be fighting for the eighth seed with Boston, Indiana, and Charlotte, but will surpass those teams because of an improved bench and defensive presence. It is almost a guarantee that the Pistons will not advance beyond the first round of the playoffs, though.

LaBlue: I wouldn’t say the Pistons are that far from being in the playoffs. The East, below the Cavaliers, is kind of up for grabs. There is a lot of room for a team to breakthrough into the top of the East.

Morgan: With another lower lottery pick and some wise transactions from the front office, the Pistons should be ready to compete for a playoff berth next season. The core of Drummond (22), Jackson (25) and Johnson (19) can grow together over the next couple of years before they can consider themselves a contender for a championship. If things go well, they may have a squad that can make it out of the East by 2017-18, at the very earliest.

Berger: Let’s clarify winning one. Winning an opening round series? This season, but competing for a title? Three years for the youngsters to fully form into seasoned vets.

Next: Where do you think the Pistons will fall within the Eastern Conference and why?

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