Why the Detroit Pistons are the city’s best hope for a playoff run

AUBURN HILLS, MI - MARCH 24: Detroit Pistons huddle before the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 24, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - MARCH 24: Detroit Pistons huddle before the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 24, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
4 of 4
BOSTON, MA – MAY 27: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers sits on the floor after defeating the Boston Celtics 87-79 in Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals to advance to the 2018 NBA Finals at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MAY 27: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers sits on the floor after defeating the Boston Celtics 87-79 in Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals to advance to the 2018 NBA Finals at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

An easier East?

The Eastern Conference doesn’t have as many legitimate teams as it did last year. LeBron James’ decision to move west has a lot to do with that.

The main reason why Detroit Pistons fans should have optimism is due to the lack of quality opponents in their conference.

Off rip, you know that Boston, Philadelphia, and Toronto are the favorites. Milwaukee, Miami, and Indiana would be in that next tier.

I see no reason why the Pistons couldn’t be in that second tier of teams, and possibly hosting a first-round series, while squeezing out their first series win in over a decade.

Despite the abundance of empty red seats last season at Little Caesars Arena, I believe this is the year that Pistons fans have been waiting for. Attendance should rise with a full year of Blake Griffin and a healthy roster.

A new coaching staff, competent front office, solid pieces that appear to fit personnel-wise, and a weak division?

This should be a year that the city has been waiting for.