Detroit Pistons: Biggest surprises and disappointments in the NBA so far

The NBA’s disappointments so far

Memphis Grizzlies  (2-8)

The Grizzlies are one of the few teams that has been hit with almost as many injuries as the Detroit Pistons, as they are missing Brandon Clarke, Stephen Adams, Derrick Rose and Xavier Tillman, and that’s before you get to the suspended Ja Morant. That’s a whole lot of scoring and rim protection on the bench. The good news for the Grizzlies is that they will eventually get some of those guys back and Desmond Bane is averaging over 26 points per game in the meantime.

LA Clippers (3-6)

The Clippers made the big Harden trade, adding him to the oft-injured Kawhi Leonard and Paul George duo. Harden has only played four games, so it is a work in progress and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the Clippers started rolling at some point if they can keep everyone healthy. But right now, this pretty much sums of their season:

I AM THE SYSTEM.

Detroit Pistons (2-9)

The Pistons are young and injured so I’m not surprised they are bad, but I didn’t think they’d be the worst team in the league at this point in the season. The schedule has been tough, and injuries have derailed them, but Detroit has also blown some very winnable games, as they have a nasty habit of getting up by double digits early before giving it all back and then running out of gas late. Yes, you have to put this season in context, but it’s hard not to be disappointed by a 2-9 start in which one of the core players has been benched and the star leads the NBA in turnovers while shooting under 30 percent from long range. The Pistons got Burks and Ivey back last game, and Monte Morris should return soon, so there is some hope they can still turn this season around, but it is fading fast.