Here’s to a better decade: Looking back on the Detroit Pistons 2010s

(Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)

The 2010s weren’t too kind to the Detroit Pistons and 2020 is off to a bleak start, but here’s a look back at how the Pistons can’t be worse this decade.

The Detroit Pistons didn’t win a playoff game the entire last decade, despite reaching the playoffs twice, so it can’t get much worse in as the roaring 2020s begin.

Fortunately, the 2010s brought Detroit a building block in Andre Drummond. He isn’t the franchise star like Blake Griffin once was in Los Angeles, but he is a solid piece that helped lead the Pistons to playoff appearances in 2016 and 2019.

Acquiring Reggie Jackson was a key element for both playoff runs as he was healthy for the full season. Trading for Griffin essentially willed the Pistons to the 2019 playoffs, battling through a torn meniscus late in the season and grinding through the final three weeks and two playoff games.

But bad draft pick after bad draft pick led to an underwhelming decade for the Pistons, which their fans hope to have success like the 2000s when the Goin’ to Work Pistons captured a new generation of fans’ hearts.

Fortunately the draft is turning at the right time. Luke Kennard was a solid selection and Bruce Brown has proven to be a gem found in the second round. The 2019 selection of Sekou Doumbouya provides hope for a better decade in the 2020s.

Dwane Casey, Ed Stefanski and Co. are in their second year in Detroit, looking to build and develop young talent. The Pistons enter 2020 with an average age of 22.2, including the two-way players of Jordan Bone and Louis King. Looking on a macro level, there’s plenty to look forward to.

But let’s take one last look back at the 2010s. Here’s what our staff compiled to review.

We look forward to the 2020s and are grateful that you are a part of what makes Piston Powered a great community. Happy New Year, Pistons fans!