Why the Detroit Pistons will own the Eastern Conference soon

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) gets defended by Detroit Pistons forward Saddiq Bey Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) gets defended by Detroit Pistons forward Saddiq Bey Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 3
Detroit Pistons, Saddiq Bey
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) gets defended by Detroit Pistons forward Saddiq Bey Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Pistons: The top competition in the Eastern Conference

The East was much better this season, with a good amount of depth to go along with at least four title contenders at the top.

It’s not going to be easy for the young Pistons to rise through the ranks, but after seeing what Cleveland did last season, it is certainly possible.

It’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Detroit Pistons take a top seed next season or even make the playoffs, as the East is stacked and getting better.

But most of the teams at the top are already in their peak form and are built around players who are in the latter stages of their peak years. Teams like the Heat, 76ers, Celtics, Bucks, Nets and Bulls are built around stars who will likely still be good in 2-3 years, but they will also be making huge money and be harder to build around in some ways.

I’m not saying all of these teams are suddenly going to be bad, but they are all trying to win titles right now, which forces them to make moves that might not be the best for the future, which could open the door for the young, up-and-coming teams of the East, which includes the Detroit Pistons.

It’s very possible that in three seasons teams like the Pacers, Hawks, Cavaliers, Magic and Pistons will be fighting for the top spots.