It is time for Detroit Pistons to tank on Tanking

What have the Detroit Pistons gotten out of tanking?

The Pistons tanking was more organic, not a carefully planned long-term strategy like Hinkie’s.

Detroit was coming off a playoff appearance in Dwane Casey’s first year as coach. But Blake Griffin’s legs were shot, Derrick Rose was no longer at the MVP level of years gone by and, as the team stumbled to an 18-33 start, a lot of vets wanted out and go to a contender. Oh, and they discovered Andre Drummond does not do much of anything to help you win, despite his gaudy stats (a lesson the Lakers and Nets would also come to learn)

When Troy Weaver took over in 2020 as general manager, it was to give the team a fresh start. When Griffin and Rose were traded, another bad season was inevitable.

For once (literally), luck was on Detroit’s side. They got the No. 1 pick for the first time in 51 years and it was a good year to get it, as the draft was loaded. Hi Cade Cunningham!

This year, Casey originally had some hope for success, but injuries, a COVID outbreak and players simply not playing up to expectations torpedoed any playoff hopes, and it was back to the Lottery hoping for the best.