On paper, the Detroit Pistons should be better next season, but that’s saying little when the team only won 14 games.
Being slightly better than the worst ever likely wouldn’t be enough to satisfy fans who are sick of being told to wait until next year and the next in perpetuity.
How much improvement the Pistons make next season will rely on a number of factors including internal development, veteran impact and addition by subtraction, as the Pistons’ roster last season was littered with players who are on the fringes of the league or out of it altogether.
We know Cade Cunnigham needs to be good. We know Jaden Ivey has to make a leap and we know the Pistons have to get more out of their veterans, but there are also a number of X-factors that could make the Pistons better than expected.
The Pistons are being predicted to win 23-25 games by most publications, so what do they need to happen for the team to exceed those low expectations?
X-Factor #1: A coach who cares
Say what you want about Dwane Casey, but the man showed up every day, his players liked him and he tried to do his best by the franchise, which is why he still has a job in the front office.
None of those things can be said about Monty Williams, who had to be lured to a job he never wanted by more money than he could turn down. I’m not sure he even knew the names of his players at the start of the season, evidenced by the fact Killian Hayes was in the starting lineup.
JB Bickerstaff has been criticized for various things, but he’s excited about the job, was happy to take it and should bring some renewed energy to young players who didn’t get enough from their coach last season.
Bickerstaff has a history of top-10 defenses and getting the most out of young players.
Having a competent coach will matter and should be good for a few extra wins in itself, as it was clear to anyone who watched that Monty Williams was never there.