Detroit Pistons: Play meaningful games late in the season
Last season, the Pistons played meaningful games late in the season but they were meaningful for all the wrong reasons, as Detroit was trying to ensure that they stayed at the bottom of the East and maximized their chances at a number one pick.
I don’t expect the Pistons to make the playoffs next season, but it would be nice if they played some meaningful games down the stretch.
This means being within shouting distance of the play-in tournament so that their young guys are getting reps in pressure-filled situations that will serve them well in the future when they are ready to compete for a playoff spot.
You never know what can happen, and if a few teams unexpectedly fall off, the Pistons could get close to the play-in tournament and maybe even make it, who knows.
Even if they don’t, it would be nice for them to be in the conversation late in the season so that their young players stay engaged and help their development with some meaningful minutes.