The Detroit Pistons are in first place in the Eastern Conference. They have went on the road and beaten two of the NBA’s best, including the reigning champion Golden State Warriors. That means it’s time to reevaluate this team. How do you feel about the Pistons now?
The Detroit Pistons, if the season ended today, would be the Eastern Conference’s number one seed at 5-2.
Let’s enjoy it while we can, because who knows how long it will last.
If you told me the Pistons would be 5-2 after the first seven games, which included two signature wins over the Western Conference elite in the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors, I would have told you you are crazy.
And yet, here we are.
With the Pistons sitting atop the Eastern Conference, it’s time to ask the question: How do you feel about the Detroit Pistons?
Me? I feel really good, and for a number of reasons.
Reggie Jackson looks like his old self, something I was seriously questioning would ever happen again, particularly with the Pistons after spending a season listening to the media debate where he was going to be traded to.
Then, there’s Andre Drummond, who took about five steps back last season. His lack of effort, offensive skills, and ability to hit free throws, lead to many of us (myself included) wondering if he would ever live up to his max contract.
After seven games, Drummond looks like the real deal, hitting 70% from the free throw line, rebounding at a high clip, and being a force on defense. His scoring may be down, but his elevated play in these areas has got me really excited about what the Pistons can become on the defensive end.
Speaking of defense, the Pistons have two really strong perimeter defenders in Stanley Johnson and Avery Bradley. Johnson just might live up to that billing of a high first round draft pick. He’s been impressive.
Then there’s the cherry on top, that is, Tobias Harris’ development. He’s averaging 20.9 points and 46.3% from the three point line. He’s also been excellent in isolation situations, something the Pistons have desperately lacked in season’s past.
Folks, that’s just the starters–the Pistons’ bench of Langston Galloway, Ish Smith, Henry Ellenson, Anthony Tolliver, and Luke Kennard have all looked good when given ample playing time.
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To directly answer the question, I am impressed by the Pistons. There’s 75 games to play, but I am thoroughly impressed.