Detroit Pistons vs. Charlotte Hornets? Which rebuild is going better?
The money and draft
Both teams are hoping for lottery luck and to add some impact talent via free agency and/or trades ands both are in a position to do so.
The Pistons currently have slightly better odds for the #1 pick, but only by 1.5 percent, so no big advantage there. It’s very possible the two teams end up in the positions they are in now, so Detroit has a slight edge but not by much when it comes to lottery odds.
Both teams will have around the same amount of cap space this offseason as well, so there isn’t a decisive advantage, especially since neither team is really considered a hot destination for free agents.
If you are looking at the rosters now and into the future, I’d give the Detroit Pistons an edge when it comes to ceiling, as most of their best players are young while the Hornets have less young talent in their pipeline.
When you factor in that the Hornets have more contributing veterans and have had their best player for more of the season, it’s actually surprising that Detroit is this close to them in the standings, which doesn’t bode well for Charlotte.
But both teams can make additions this offseason that could get them back in the playoff hunt next season, so it will all come down to how they handle the offseason.
Overall advantage: Pistons