There have been some early surprises in the Eastern Conference after the first seven games of the season, and the Detroit Pistons are among them, sitting at 5-2 after a tough early schedule and several key injuries.
But the Chicago Bulls are the talk of the NBA, as they are 6-1 to lead the Eastern Conference, which no one predicted coming into the season. It’s still very early, and the Bulls have a lot to prove, but if they are better than expected, it adds another competitor in the wide-open East.
The Detroit Pistons can win the Eastern Conference
Almost everyone picked the Cavaliers or Knicks to win the East this season, and it’s still the smart bet even though both teams have started 4-3 and had some rough patches and early injuries of their own.
The Magic are 3-5 and new addition Desmond Bane has struggled mightily early in his career with Orlando.
You can bet these teams will return to their norms at some point, so it’s far too early to say the Bulls, 76ers and Pistons have replaced the elite teams of the East.
But why not?
The Pistons have arguably the second-best player in the conference, an emerging cast of young role players, continuity and chemistry from last season, but the assets to make an impact move.
There is certainly no reason the Pistons can’t end up in the top four even after the Cavaliers, Knicks and Magic start winning at a higher rate, which they inevitably will.
The East is as wide open as can be with the Pacers and Celtics out of the picture, so it wouldn’t be surprising for just about anyone to emerge, including the Pistons.
They may not even need to make a move if they can just get healthy, as Jaden Ivey is going to provide a needed boost to the offense.
The Pistons are sitting in the 3rd seed, higher than they ever climbed last season, and it looks more like a natural progression than something that can’t be sustained. The Pistons hang their hats on defense, and that’s something that can show up every night.
It’s far too early to predict where the East will eventually end up and I wouldn’t want to try to, as it’s a complete crap shoot so far with some unexpected teams in the mix that are showing power may be more balanced than we thought.