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East power rankings: Detroit Pistons come in at fifth after recent play

By Ku Khahil

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 30: Detail shot of the alternate practice jersey of the Detroit Pistons before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 30, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, 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)
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 30: Detail shot of the alternate practice jersey of the Detroit Pistons before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 30, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, 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) /
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Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons /

The bottom feeders

15. Cleveland Cavaliers (4-18)

This had to be completely expected after LeBron James left for Los Angeles. However, there were some “experts” believing that this team might be able to be the eight seed in the east.

Things haven’t exactly worked out that way. Tyronn Lue was fired after just six games into the 2018-2019 season. Larry Drew is now their head coach.

Kevin Love signed a big contract in the offseason to stay in Cleveland. However, he’s played in just four games for the Cavaliers. After having toe surgery in early November, he’s not expected to be back in the lineup until January.

The team has moved Kyle Korver to Utah and J.R. Smith has already said that he doesn’t want to be part of the rebuilding process.

14. Atlanta Hawks (5-18)

The Hawks are in a rebuilding stage as well. Lloyd Pierce hasn’t exactly got his team off to a great start in his first year as head coach.

They have struggled to find an identity on both ends of the court. The Hawks are second to last in offensive rating (102.1) and their dead last in opponent’s points per game (118.1).

They have developed the modern style of basketball. They’re first in the league in pace (105.2) and fifth in the league in three-point attempts (35.7).

This run-and-gun style fits the mold of rookie point guard Trae Young. He’s the future of this organization that desperately needs an identity.

13. Chicago Bulls (5-19)

The Bulls have been riddled with injuries since the beginning of the season.

Lauri Markkanen finally returned to action in their last game against the Houston Rockets. He was one of their best players last season.

They’re still playing without Kris Dunn and Bobby Portis. Luckily, both have been cleared for contact.

The Bulls are building around Zach LaVine, who’s one of the league’s best scorers. I expect Jabari Parker to start playing better eventually.

This team could move up as the season goes along.

12. New York Knicks (8-16)

The Knicks have fallen back into mediocrity. They haven’t had a winning record since 2013.

Right now, they still have some ugly contracts on the books for another two seasons before they can really go out and get a big free agent.

Tim Hardaway Jr. and Kristaps Porzingis are two nice pieces but aren’t enough to succeed. Not having Porzingis really hurts this team currently.

They’re going to need more fire power in order to have success in the eastern conference.

11. Brooklyn Nets (8-16)

The Nets got off to a decent start this season. They actually beat the Detroit Pistons on Halloween night.

They lost Caris LeVert to a nasty foot injury a few weeks back and the team really hasn’t been the same. They’ve lost nine out of their last 11 games.

They have some promising young players. Spencer Dinwiddie, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, and D’Angelo Russell are a great group of young players.

Patience is the key with this current group.

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