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Some Detroit Pistons questions answered on the upcoming season

By Stuart London

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 8: Reggie Jackson #1 of the Detroit Pistons and head coach Dwane Casey of the Detroit Pistons wait for play to resume against the New York Knicks during the second half at Little Caesars Arena on February 8, 2020, in Detroit, Michigan. The Knicks defeated the Pistons 95-92. 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 Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 8: Reggie Jackson #1 of the Detroit Pistons and head coach Dwane Casey of the Detroit Pistons wait for play to resume against the New York Knicks during the second half at Little Caesars Arena on February 8, 2020, in Detroit, Michigan. The Knicks defeated the Pistons 95-92. 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 Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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Things are starting to get into focus for the Detroit Pistons and the rest of the NBA. Here are some key questions with answers based on the latest public information.

With the news that the NBA league office is looking at the week of December 22 to start the 2020-21 season, some important questions involving the Detroit Pistons are finally being answered, but there is still a lot that is unknown.

Using the Q&A format, we will attempt to answer what we know is happening with the Pistons upcoming season:

Question: OK, I know the season is starting Christmas week. So when can I buy tickets to see a Pistons game?

Answer: Well, it might be a while before you can plunk down money and head to Little Caesars Arena.

It all depends on what Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the city of Detroit allow.

First, let us see if the Detroit Lions are allowed to have fans. They play in a big stadium and the first two games were fan-less. A smaller site with less room for social distancing like Little Caesars will be looked at harder by health authorities.

Whatever the Lions eventually are allowed to let in, at the most, is what the Pistons can hope for fans. Of course, in the coming months, with the possibility of a vaccine, things could change.

The NBA is thinking about a program where with testing they can allow courtside seats. If you can not have everyone back, at least allow the most expensive seats.

Commissioner Adam Silver says 40% of a team’s revenue is from attendance, so each game without fans is a financial blow.

Q: If starting later than usual, can I assume the Pistons will be playing all summer?

A: No. You can make summer vacation plans without feeling bad about missing some games.

First, the players do not want to lose their summer time off for the second year in a row. They have family and friends they want to spend time with like anyone else.

Also, a lot are involved in summer programs like camps. Many help children in needy areas.

Secondly, the Olympic Games will be held July 23-August 8 in Tokyo, Japan. The NBA players will be expected to participate. USA Basketball is already reaching out to players about interest.

The foreign players in the NBA are under even more pressure to play, as those countries do not have the depth to make up for their absence. Luka Doncic will be expected to play for Slovenia and Ben Simmons for Australia. There would be major backlash if they had to drop out to play NBA games.

And the NBA has made it clear they want no parts of running into the start of football season.

So, assuming the Olympic teams need a few weeks to get together and practice, the NBA season should end around July 1.

light. Related Story. Adam Silver’s message to Pistons fans: hold off on summer plans

Q: So how do you fit an 82-game schedule and all the playoffs in what would basically be 6 months?

A: You don’t. The NBA will have a full playoffs, because that is what interests the national TV networks the most. That means the regular season will have to be altered.

The league office is looking at between 70-72 regular season games.

There is a lot of talk about how to cram in all these games. In a normal season, most teams by December 22 have played around 25-30 games.

Among the ideas: Cancel All-Star weekend, do not play teams in the other conference to save on travel days and, like in baseball, have series where the same teams play each other multiple times at the same site.

Since fans will most likely not be allowed in for a while, this is the time to recalibrate the schedule. At some point, the NBA needs to start pointing somewhat towards its usual time of year.

Q: Does this re-jiggered schedule help or hurt the Pistons?

A: Help, at least a little bit.

Playing the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks more and less of the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets should help Detroit’s record if not their overall place in the standings. It may not be as much fun for fans to miss on seeing the marquee names out West.

Geographically, Detroit is in a good position. If we assume teams will only play in their conference, the longest road trips would be Atlanta and the Florida teams.

Short road trips mean less travel days and more time to practice. With a young team like the Pistons, practice is important.

Long road trips are also not good for players with an injury history, like Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose. So it is win-win on both sides.

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