Detroit Pistons finally know when the NBA will re-start

After sitting around for eight months, the Detroit Pistons finally will be getting back into action, on and off the court. Be ready, the entire off-season has been compacted into 34 days.

All the important particulars for the 2020-21 season NBA season have finally been hammered out by the league and NBA players association. The Detroit Pistons now have something concrete to plan their moves by.

As expected, Commissioner Adam Silver got his way, and the season will begin the week of December 22. The salary cap and luxury tax will remain the same as last year, even though revenue was down 10% last year. There are some escrow details involving salary that were also worked out.

After twiddling their thumbs with nothing really happening since March for Detroit, everything is going to be fast and furious.

Let’s take a look at what will be a tsunami of NBA activity. Here it is in chronological order; with a special focus on the Pistons.

Nov. 15-16: A couple of days before the draft, the league is supposed to lift the moratorium it has put on team transactions.

What it means to the Pistons: First, new general manager Troy Weaver can legally make trades. It also gives the players who have options in their contracts the right to exercise them. Tony Snell has a $12.3 option for this year. Detroit also can make a qualifying offer to Thon Maker to render him a restricted free agent if they so choose.

Nov. 18: The NBA draft is held. Since it can not have a site with fans, the draft is being held at ESPN’s studios in Bristol, Conn.

What it means to the Pistons: Could mean a lot of things. There is a lot of speculation on where Detroit will draft, and how many draft picks they end up with. Weaver is on record as saying he would like some second-round draft picks.

Nov. 20-22: Right after the draft, comes free agency. Teams can start negotiations with players on November 20, but they can not (wink, wink)  officially agree to terms until noon, November 22.

What it means for the Pistons: With cap space to spare, for the first time in a while, Detroit could be a major player in free agency. On a small level, decisions will have to be made about bringing back Langston Galloway or Maker, players coach Dwane Casey might be interested in returning. Of course, what occurs with Christian Wood, will have  a major impact on Detroit’s plans in many ways.

Dec. 1: Teams are allowed to begin training camp. With 22 days until the regular season, there is even the possibility of a non-league game or two.

What it means to Pistons: Real practices … for a real season.  That is something Detroit has not had for nine months. If there is a lot of turnover in the roster, a couple of preseason games to shake things out could be essential.

Dec. 22: The NBA will start the 2020-21 season on this date. It does not mean all 30 teams will play that day, but games that count will begin. There will only be 72 games this year.

What it means for the Pistons: Remember the last time the Pistons played a game that counted in the standings? It was March 11, a loss to the 76ers, in which Wood scored 30 points. When will fans be allowed to watch in person? That is an open question. At least Fox Sports Detroit will be happy to have some live programming.

Some issues, like the schedule for each team, still need to be worked out. One thing that will definitely be occurring is a play-in tournament for the No. 7th & 8 seed of each conference. The teams in 7-10 place at end of the season will participate. Considering the Pistons finished last season just two games out of ninth place, they certainly could be involved.