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Who’s the most important Piston entering 2017?

By Leighton Chappell

AUBURN HILLS, MI - APRIL 24: A general view before Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons during the 2016 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2016 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - APRIL 24: A general view before Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons during the 2016 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2016 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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As we near the 2017-2018 NBA season, hype is building around the new and improved Detroit PistonS squad. who is the most important piece to make or break a successful, playoff-bound campaign?

With camp nearing and the Detroit Pistons only 26 days from their first regular-season game, excitement is beginning to accrue around Detroit.

Not only does Detroit receive a fresh start after a disappointing 2016-2017 season, but they receive their fresh start with a new home: Little Caesars Arena.

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And if that isn’t enough, follow Detroit’s social media accounts via Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. That’ll surely do the trick.

Overall, excitement is arising in Detroit and rightfully so. As fans, we anticipate a successful and competitive under-the-radar Piston squad (hence, “Detroit vs Everybody”).

Though, if there were one Piston to either make or break all excitement-the player who has the most impact leading Detroit to the playoffs-who would it be?

There maybe more options than you think.

The obvious include a revived Reggie Jackson and a newly-arrived Avery Bradley, but a conditioned Andre Drummond and maturing Stanley Johnson are options as well. Here’s why:

Reggie Jackson, Andre Drummond, and Stanley Johnson all had disappointing campaigns last season. Jackson was hindered by knee tendinitis while Drummond and Johnson were just bad. No excuses.

So, thanks largely to the three most disappointing Pistons, Detroit finished outside playoff contention. Bummer.

But what kind of impact would the three have had if they all just performed ‘decent’? Does Detroit make it to the playoffs or are they still on the outside looking in?

We all watched the 2015-2016 Pistons. Hence, if we go by Detroit’s progress then, its not wrong to assume they don’t finish at least eighth in the East last season.

With that in mind, a quality Reggie Jackson, Andre Drummond, and Stanley Johnson can definitely propel the Pistons into playoff position with assistance from an efficient Tobias Harris this season. Then, you add in Avery Bradley: the former Celtic leader and workhorse who was always the player fans hoped Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could evolve to.

Overall, Reggie Jackson, Andre Drummond, Stanley Johnson, and Avery Bradley all provide strong reasoning to be the most important Pistons this upcoming season. And Tobias Harris can be added into the mix as well!

Reggie Jackson was dominate in 2015 and his impact off the court last season was apparent.

Andre Drummond was without Reggie Jackson and lacked much efficiency last season, but enters this season lighter, slimmer, and healthier: set to dominate the paint once more in Detroit.

Stanley Johnson is the next man up for the Pistons with an opportunity to handle a starting role with Marcus Morris departed. Johnson could form a tandem with Bradley as Detroit’s best defenders and even find an identity offensively for Detroit. His growth and impact is limitless.

Avery Bradley comes into Detroit already one of the best players on the roster. It doesn’t have to be said, but his leadership as well as defensive abilities will serve leaps and bounds for the Pistons.

Tobias Harris was Detroit’s best player last season. Averaging 16 points per game, if the forward were to improve to 20 points per game….

Related Story: Setting 2017-2018 Season Goals for Each of the Pistons Starting Five

So who is the most important Piston? It doesn’t matter. The fact of the matter is Detroit can only improve from last season. And if every Piston performs as they should, Detroit will be a team to reckon with in a weakened East.

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