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.
The Milwaukee Bucks also built around size
For almost the last decade, it’s been no secret that Milwaukee has placed a major significance on size and length.
After drafting their franchise cornerstone in 2013, Milwaukee has built their roster to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo’s immense physical traits.
Contrary to many other franchises, Milwaukee has stayed true to building a larger roster, despite the growing trend of teams sacrificing size for speed, shooting, or skill.
While it took a few years, Milwaukee’s strategy has paid off in a major way, as they won last year’s championship and have established themselves as an Eastern Conference power.
What’s even more impressive is how Milwaukee used its assets to further the principles they were looking to build upon.
This resulted in trades for Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday, who all possess wingspans over 6-foot-7, averaged in double figures last season, and played massive roles alongside Giannis in bringing a championship back to Milwaukee.
With a modernized offense centered around spacing, Milwaukee led the NBA in points last year, with an average of 120.1 points per game.
This year, the Bucks are third in the Eastern Conference, with a 23-13 record, and a legitimate chance at defending their title.
Their emphasis on size has already gotten Milwaukee a championship, and as Giannis enters his prime, the Bucks will continue to reap the benefits of their strategy.
Blueprint for the Detroit Pistons
While Detroit’s season remains bleak, their recent draft picks and current roster signify Troy Weaver may be embracing some of the same principles as the Pistons’ division counterparts.
This is exemplified when looking at the length of Detroit’s traditional projected starting five, that we unfortunately haven’t been able to see too much of.
Cade Cunnigham, Jerami Grant, and Isaiah Stewart all possess wingspan over 7-feet. Killian Hayes has a wingspan of 6-foot-8, and Saddiq Bey has a wingspan of 6-foot-11.
Height- wise, the shortest player in this lineup is Killian Hayes, at 6-foot-5.
More importantly, this lineup consists of four players that are capable of operating on the perimeter, and creating opportunities for themselves, or others.
In conjunction with having a large lineup with the potential to pose major problems defensively, stretching the floor on offense, and having multiple playmakers on the floor is a necessity, and this lineup potentially provides that, though we’ve yet to see much of it this season.
It’s also important to note that the top three prospects in next year’s draft (Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, and Jabari SmithW) are all over 6-foot-10, with the potential to be inside-outside forces on the offensive end, and with the intangibles to immediately contribute on the defensive end.
While it’s still incredibly early, Cleveland’s newfound success, and Milwaukee’s rise has provided a blueprint to win while diverting from the common tactics other franchises are utilizing.
Most importantly, both teams have proved that emphasizing length and height doesn’t mean negating, or even compromising, skill, outside shooting, or playmaking. In an era that’s built upon versatility, these factors are almost always still apparent, particularly with forwards and guards.
Although the season has been rough, Detroit’s most recent picks in the last two drafts convey a sense of direction in the kind of roster Weaver is looking to build.
The roster may not have three big men like Cleveland’s, or a physical specimen like Milwaukee’s, but it has several intriguing young players, along with a first pick, that all fit within the same blueprint of length, size, and skill. It’s still incredibly early, but it’s a promising start.