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Detroit Pistons: Three goals for Dwane Casey this season

By Travis Gibbs

WASHINGTON, DC -  MARCH 2: Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors draws up plays before the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 2, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  MARCH 2: Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors draws up plays before the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 2, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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There’s expectations for Dwane Casey and what he can do with the Detroit Pistons right out of the gate as the head coach. What goals should he have?

Dwane Casey was hired nearly two months ago to be the next head coach of the Detroit Pistons. Last year, he led the Toronto Raptors to a franchise record in wins (59) and a coach of the year award.

Casey will have his hands full coming to Detroit. The Pistons have not been able to get over the hump to be a legitimate contender for the past decade.

With a new coaching staff and a re-tooled front office, the Pistons are looking to be in the hunt once again. Here are some goals that Casey should look to achieve in year one.

Emphasize development of young talent

The Detroit Pistons have a unique roster in terms of how it’s set up. They have their core of veteran players that have had success in the past.

Detroit also has a lot of young talent that hasn’t had the right guidance to this point in their individual careers.

Stanley Johnson is a player that immediately comes to mind. Former head coach Stan Van Gundy and Johnson clashed multiple times throughout the last few years.

Johnson has talent and Van Gundy never got the most out of him. There was a reason he was a top ten draft pick in 2015.

Luke Kennard is another player that comes to mind. At times last season, it didn’t seem like Van Gundy would give him a long enough leash. In order to learn and get better, a player will have to make mistakes.

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The Pistons also drafted two guys that many believe fell in the draft and should have been first round selections. Bruce Brown and Khyri Thomas both displayed skill sets that will get them playing time this coming season for the Pistons.

Casey developed the young core of players in Toronto and got the most out of that group. Fred VanVleet and Delon Wright are examples of that.

The Pistons struggled to get production out of their reserves last season. This was one of many reasons they fell short of the postseason for the second straight season.

He will need to continue to emphasize this area of coaching. If he can get these guys to be effective role players that will make an impact on the floor, it will make this team that much better.

Win a playoff series

Why not? With the core the Pistons have, this team shouldn’t have an issue being in the postseason next year.

Getting to the playoffs and actually winning a playoff series are two different things. The Detroit Pistons haven’t won a playoff series since 2008.

That’s a sobering thought. It almost makes winning a playoff series seem a little out of reach, especially in year one.

However, the eastern conference isn’t exactly a powerhouse compared to the west. Outside of facing Boston, Toronto, and Philadelphia, winning a playoff series shouldn’t be that difficult.

In order for that to happen, the Pistons will have to avoid the seeds that are six through eight. A healthy roster with Dwane Casey at the helm can reach the five seed or possibly higher.

It’s a toss up for how teams will fall in the postseason outside of the top three seeds. It’s a high goal to shoot for in his first year. It’s also attainable.

Change the culture

This should be the biggest goal of them all. The Detroit Pistons have a proud history as an NBA franchise. A lot of their success has come in light of the city they play for. Nothing comes easy and hard work will always prevail.

The last decade has been a bit of a joke. The Pistons have had four different head coaches and what seems to be a revolving door in upper management.

There were days that the Palace of Aubern Hills would be packed on a nightly basis for this team. They made a move to Detroit recently to try and get fans back in the stands and that hasn’t worked at all.

The fan base is fed up. Being in the middle of the pack should no longer be acceptable. It was mentioned earlier that Casey will have his hands full.

He’s the best guy for this job. Toronto had a similar situation before he came along as well. Casey changed the culture and the expectation level there.

That’s not even up for debate. He was relieved of his duties after setting a record in wins because of the team’s performance in the postseason.

The expectation in Toronto now is competing for championships now after the addition of Kawhi Leonard.

These goals set for Dwane Casey should be a high priority from day one.

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