Detroit Pistons: 3 reasons the Pistons are trending upward
The Detroit Pistons have yet to enjoy a win streak this season and have the worst record in the NBA. Yet, things are headed in the right direction.
The Pistons have won exactly one game in a row but you’d think they were on their way to the Finals the way fans are reacting.
Why? Well, beating Philly is always nice.
light. Related Story. Trading Derrick Rose to the Knicks or Clippers
But the real reason is that Pistons’ fans see their franchise moving in the right direction for the first time in a long time.
The Pistons are losing, yes, but they are doing it with purpose and getting their young guys plenty of reps in the process.
This is all most of us have wanted for the last decade, so seeing the Detroit Pistons finally rebuild the right way has fans excited about the future.
The Detroit Pistons may end up with the worst record in the league (I don’t think so) but they are trending upward. Here’s why.
Detroit Pistons: Dwane Casey and Troy Weaver
The Culture
I am so sick of hearing the word “culture” as it relates to NBA teams but here we are.
Culture is the most overused word in NBA circles, a subjective word that means different things to different people.
No matter what it means to you, the Pistons are building it.
Losses are losses, but the Pistons have been in nearly every game. They have lost 5 games by 10 points and one by 15 (against the Bucks) so haven’t been blown out yet.
They never roll over, play with energy and make the other team earn it. You have to give Dwane Casey some credit for keeping this team focused even though they aren’t winning.
He’s done a good job of mixing in the veterans and young players without “tanking,” so that the young guys are learning to play the right way.
Troy Weaver also deserves a lot of credit for going out and getting guys who fit this mold. The Pistons don’t have the most talented group of veteran role players ever assembled, but they are all smart players who play hard and don’t take anything off the table.
It was smart to bring in veterans who had to compete for minutes, so the young players can learn that nothing is given in the NBA.
The Pistons are assembling a smart, tough roster that is long, athletic and fits the mold of today’s NBA.
Whatever culture means, it is changing in Detroit.