The exciting and the scary lurking in the Detroit Pistons’ future

Detroit Pistons: The long-term future is bright

The rookies

Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren have been two of the bright spots this season and it looks as though the Detroit Pistons nailed both of their draft picks.

I don’t think Ivey is completely surprising, as we expected him to be able to score right away, but his rebounding and passing are miles ahead of where I thought they’d be.

Duren is also ahead of schedule as the youngest player in the NBA getting regular, impactful minutes off the bench. I think he’ll be starting by the end of the season and it’s possible he ends up being the steal of the draft when the dust settles.

Cap space and another pick

Hopefully the Detroit Pistons will make a run at some point this season, but even if they end up in the lottery again, they have a chance to make a big leap next season.

Not only do they own their own draft pick (as long as they don’t make the playoffs), but will have upwards of $48 million in cap space and that is after extending Bojan Bogdanovic.

The 2023 free-agent class has some intriguing options, but the Pistons can also use that cap space to make a trade, possibly to bring in another impact player, preferably one that can defend on the wing.

Detroit doesn’t necessarily need another star, what they need is quality depth, athleticism and players who can defend. I think Troy Weaver will find them and that this roster could look a whole lot different and better next season.

The evolving Eastern Conference

We could be witnessing a changing of the guard in the East, as some of the teams with aging superstars are struggling and could be at a crossroads.

The top five teams right now (Milwaukee, Boston, Cleveland, Atlanta and Toronto) all look set up to contend for the present and future, but beyond that? The Bulls are middling and can’t stay healthy. The Knicks and Wizards are mediocre without much talent in the pipeline.

The 76ers, Nets and Heat will likely turn things around, but they are getting older and health is going to be an ongoing issue. James Harden is getting old. The Nets are a soap opera and could trade Kevin Durant. There is no guarantee these teams will be contenders this season or beyond.

Past that the East is full of rebuilding teams like the Pistons who are in similar stages (though the Pacers are one step ahead). Things are shifting in the East and past the top 5-6 teams, spots are up for grabs now and in the long-term future.

But there are also some concerning things lurking in the near future and beyond.