The Detroit Pistons only won 17 games last season, so to say they need to improve is a obvious understatement.
Cade Cunningham’s return will help, but he’s not going to fix all of their problems, and there will have to be improvement across the board in many areas for Detroit to finally be competitive in the Eastern Conference.
We’ve only seen one preseason game, but there are already signs of some disturbing trends that date back to last season or even earlier, things that have to change.
Head coach Monty Williams has a big task in front of him and plenty of work to do with his young roster.
The Detroit Pistons have to avoid early injuries
The Detroit Pistons had myriad injuries last season and ended it with guys like Eugue Omoruyi and RJ Hampton in the starting lineup.
While injuries are not something that can be “fixed” per se, they are reason for concern, as Isaiah Livers is already out for 6-8 weeks, Bojan Bogdanovic and Monte Morris missed the first preseason game with minor injuries and Jalen Duren had to leave the game after tweaking his ankle.
It’s hard not to have that “here we go again” feeling and fans have already started to use the “if healthy” disclaimer.
The Pistons have to toe the line between getting their young guys as many reps as possible, but also keeping them healthy. They can’t start this season in a huge hole and expect to climb out of it, so having a healthy roster is crucial.