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Why Metro Detroit should give these Pistons a chance

By Brenden Welper

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Blake Griffin #23 and Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Blake Griffin #23 and Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Pistons are entering the 2018-19 season with playoff aspirations. And they should be. Now it’s time for Metro Detroit to give them a chance.

On paper, the 2018-19 Detroit Pistons are the most talented group that this franchise has seen in a decade.

The days of John Kuester, Charlie Villanueva, Lawrence Frank and Josh Smith are long gone.

But a good number of Pistons fans seem to think that all hope is lost. Check social media if you don’t believe me. Heck, turn on the local sports station and you’ll hear commentary like this.

Perhaps these people weren’t following the team when players like Jason Maxiell and Kyle Singler were starting 70-plus games. Or when the Pistons began the 2014-15 season with a 5-23 record. Frankly, most of Metro Detroit didn’t seem to care what  they were doing just a few years ago.

Blake Griffin‘s presence has rekindled some interest in the long-forgotten ball club. That’s why Tom Gores brought him here.

How else can you explain the #FireSVG Twitter movement? Or the return of Pistons’ broadcasts to 97.1 The Ticket? Southeastern Michigan, at the very least, is paying attention to its basketball team once again.

Yet there remains plenty of negativity surrounding the franchise. Some of that is warranted, don’t get me wrong.

But put all of that to side for a second, and look at what the Pistons have going for them: the reigning Coach of the Year, one of the NBA’s better front-court tandems, a beautiful arena in the city, and a wide-open Eastern Conference.

Changing of the guard

The last time the East was this weak, LeBron James was still in high school.

You know, the early 2000’s? Back when a team like the Pistons could go from 32 wins in 2001 to 50 wins in 2002. And back when the NBA was at the mercy of a dynasty in California.

Sound familiar?

In no way am I saying that the Pistons will win 50 games next season. But James’ departure from the East has completely leveled the playing field. It’s anybody’s conference now. Just like it was during the post-Michael Jordan era.

For a fan base that hasn’t experienced a playoff victory in 10 years, the Pistons’ current situation should feel more like a blessing.

They’re not in the same class as the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers or Toronto Raptors. But they have a legitimate shot to bully their way into the second tier – with the Pacers, Wizards and Bucks.

Next: Pistons' rookie Khyri Thomas proving his worth early on

These Detroit Pistons aren’t perfect, that’s for sure. Fans should expect more than just a playoff appearance.  A competitive sweep in the first round won’t cut it this time.

But at least now, they’re no longer an afterthought in Oakland County.

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