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Taking a look at the Detroit Pistons on S.I.’s top 100 list

By Braden Shackelford

AUBURN HILLS, MI - JULY 26: Detroit Pistons introduce two new uniforms by Nike on July 26, 2017 at the Palace Of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - JULY 26: Detroit Pistons introduce two new uniforms by Nike on July 26, 2017 at the Palace Of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Pistons were bad last season, which probably means they won’t get much respect this season right? Wrong. Sports Illustrated released it’s top 100 NBA players for the 2017-18 season, and guess what? There are four Pistons on the list.

The Detroit Pistons may not have any superstars on their roster, but that does not mean the team isn’t talented.

That thought process has been echoed as Sport’s Illustrated’s top 100 list totals four Pistons, all of which rank in the bottom half of the list.

Here is a reminder of how things shook out, via Sports Illustrated:

51. Andre Drummond
54. Avery Bradley
78. Reggie Jackson
81. Tobias Harris

First, I am surprised that Reggie Jackson is not the lowest Piston on this list, particularly as he has become an easy target due to his poor play last season, and the effects his knee injury had on its explosiveness.

The fact that Jackson is this high on the list tells me that Sports Illustrated has done its due diligence on creating the list.

The next thing that jumps out to me is how low Tobias Harris is, despite being the Pistons’ best player a season ago. It’s important to note that S.I.’s rankings are a projection for the upcoming season, not a reflection of last season. With that said, all of the Pistons’ ahead of Harris have a perceived higher ceiling or potential for impact, as they all have clearly defined roles.

While Harris has a role on the Pistons next season, that role is figured to be less substantive, than Jackson, Drummond, or Bradley.

I’m also a bit shocked that Bradley finished behind Drummond, and not even higher on the list.

Next: Two Pistons make ESPN's top 75 players list

Overall, I think the Pistons were well represented by Sports Illustrated.

What about you?

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