Jerami Grant believes the Detroit Pistons are not far from being a good team and that it could happen as soon as next season.
Grant knows a thing or two about rebuilding, as he spent parts of three seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers during their famous “Process.”
Grant doesn’t get the same vibe from this Detroit team, who he thinks are going to do big things next season.
#Pistons Jerami Grant on losing vs. his time in PHI early in his career: "It's not the same; it's a lot different. It's not a rebuild -- it's not 3 or 4 years into the future; we're looking forward to doing something big next year."
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) April 25, 2021
Considering the Detroit Pistons are currently the worst team in the Eastern Conference and the third-worst overall, this is a bold prediction.
Jerami Grant is not one to talk trash or make ridiculous claims, so this quote caught my attention and made me wonder if he is right.
Could the Pistons be good next season? Grant thinks so, and he just might be right. Here’s why.
Detroit Pistons: The Pistons will make a huge leap defensively
The Pistons’ defense has been steadily improving this season even though they are still just 22nd in the NBA overall.
In fact, if the Pistons just clean up their turnovers so that they are limiting easy fast break points, their defense could make a big leap next year as players get more comfortable in their roles and assignments.
Detroit has used about 800 different lineups this season, which has to take its toll on the defense, so just having a regular rotation where guys know their assignments will help.
If you look at the leap the Knicks were able to make this season, it has to give the Pistons hope, as they were just 21-45 last season and are now headed to the playoffs after huge defensive improvements.
The Knicks went from 23rd in the NBA defensively last season to 3rd this season, which is the reason they are in a position to make the playoffs.
I truly believe the Detroit Pistons could make a similar leap defensively, and if they can vault into the top 10-15 in the NBA next season, it could be enough to make them contenders for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.