The Cavaliers gave the Detroit Pistons the blueprint, but can they follow it?

The Cavaliers built through the draft but went out and got their star

The Cavaliers built a good part of their foundation through the draft, just like the Pistons, but when the time was right, they pounced and got star Donovan Mitchell.

Getting Mitchell was the biggest factor in their ascent, as the Cavs wouldn't be where they are right now without him.

The Pistons aren't likely to get a Donovan Mitchell this offseason, and you could argue this is not the time to try, as there aren't any elite free agents and Detroit does not have the assets to pursue someone of Mitchell's status.

But there will be stars available this summer and if the Pistons do it right, they could land one. Detroit needs an elite two-way wing or power forward and there are a few interesting players who could be on the market.

They aren't likely to get a player that will make an impact like Mitchell made for Cleveland, but if they can supplement their draft picks with a star, we could see the Pistons make the leap into playoff contention next season just as the Cavs did when they got Mitchell.

Even though one team is near the top, and the other near the bottom the Cavs and Pistons have plenty in common and Detroit can follow their blueprint.