Way-too-early 2017-18 Detroit Pistons predictions

Now that the Detroit Pistons roster has been almost completed and we’re unlikely to see any more significant changes, we have a rough idea of their basic depth chart and rotation.

Here is what I think the Detroit Pistons’ depth chart, and starters/bench line-ups will look like.

With my projections about our line-ups and depth chart out of the way. I’m going to go ahead and make some predictions about the Detroit Pistons season itself, as well as the individuals within the starting line-up. I’m not going to make a bet and do anything silly like one of my fellow Piston Powered writers – see Shameek Mohile literally eating his words here.

Let’s take a look at the individuals:

Reggie Jackson:

The biggest question surrounding Reggie Jackson is his knee. It’s well known he’s suffered from knee tendonitis and struggled once he came back last season. No-one doubts his ability, but he needs to remain healthy. I think the extended break he’s had will do him wonders.

Assuming all goes to plan I’m expecting Reggie to average somewhere around 15 points per game, and 6 assists per game. Getting back very close to his near all-star 15/16 season form.

Avery Bradley:

Avery Bradley in his opening press conference made this statement:

Duncan got that spot on, regardless of what Bradley actually does, if he plays hard and nasty, he will be loved.

I’m expecting Bradley to average pretty close to what he did with Boston last season, so somewhere around the 15 points per game. I actually expect him to be our best three-point shooter that plays significant minutes.

Stanley Johnson:

Stanley will be the fifth option in the lineup offensively, so his numbers wont jump off the page. But I expect Stanley to improve on last year getting towards that 10 points per game. I predict him to shoot a much higher percentage particularly from the three, getting towards 35 percent.

Stanley’s expectation will be to play hard, and focus in defensively, which he is more than capable of doing. As well as this his expectation will be to hit the shots that he does get.

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Tobias Harris:

Tobias Harris will continue to be our number one option on offense and should be our highest scorer.

I think Tobias will increase his scoring average to around 18 points per game.

Andre Drummond:

Andre Drummond has had a big off-season. Having had surgery on his nose, he is now able to breathe easier, and looks noticeably leaner.

Keeping these things in mind Andre should be able to lead the league in rebounds again, he should also be able to improve defensively, he should average somewhere around 12 points per game and 15 rebounds per game. The biggest improvement I think he’ll make will be in his consistency in energy level night to night.

Detroit Pistons:

The Detroit Pistons should be aiming to make playoffs this season. It’s a new season with the majority of the team staying together and upgrades having been made both on the court and off, including the actual court itself. It’s in their best interest to make playoffs and get some buzz through the city of Detroit with their move to Little Caesar’s Arena.

The Detroit Pistons should win somewhere between 40 and 50 games. Realistically somewhere between 40-45 wins. With the eastern conference having been significantly weakened and several of the Pistons rivals having also been weakened (Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks and the Chicago Bulls), that should net the Pistons a playoff berth.

Last season 40+ wins gets the Pistons to the playoffs, however next season that should ensure they’re closer to the fifth seed than the eighth. Ideally the Pistons will avoid the seventh and eighth seed so as to most likely avoid playing Boston and Cleveland first round, and give themselves a better chance and making their way out of the first round.

Next: What should the Pistons starting lineup be?

Let me know what you think by voting in my poll and comment your exact number