Division rivals are providing a blueprint for the Detroit Pistons

We are 33 games into the 2021-22 season, and the Detroit Pistons are projected to have one of their worst years in franchise history, currently holding a 5-28 record.

Much like last year, the only optimism for the near future is a 2022 top-5 draft pick, and Cade Cunningham.

Due to health and safety protocols and injuries, there have been numerous lineups.

A constant rotating cast has prevented any chances of consistency, or players getting accustomed to one another.

As of today, Detroit ranks near the bottom of almost ever major statistical category, with poor shooting, turnovers, and defensive woes remaining consistent.

However, in a Central Division with three teams all projected to make the playoffs, Detroit may be able to borrow a few tactics other teams have employed to find recent success.

Looking at their roster, it appears as though they’ve already gotten started.

Here are some things the Detroit Pistons can copy from their division rivals.

The Cleveland Cavaliers show the Detroit Pistons that size matters

This season, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been the NBA’s biggest surprise. After winning fewer than 25 games last season, the Cavs are currently 20-14, good for fifth in the Eastern Conference.

However, their success this year has stemmed from one of the most unorthodox roster constructions in the last decade.

In a time where franchises are feverishly emulating “small-ball” rosters, the Cavs acquired three 7-footers (Jarrett Allen, Lauri Markannen, and Evan Mobley) within the last year.

This emphasis on length and rim protection has immediately paid dividends, as Cleveland ranks second in points allowed, and third in opponent field goal percentage.

With the steady low-post production of Allen, Mobley, Markannen, and Kevin Love, (who are all averaging over 13 points per game and 5 rebounds), the Cavaliers have maximized their influx of bigs without compromising pace or skill on their roster.

These components, along with Darius Garland’s breakout year, have accelerated the Cavs’ rebuild, and put them on the forefront of having a legitimate postseason size advantage against almost any team, aside from one other divisional opponent.