Windows open and close quickly in the NBA, which may have just happened, as the Milwaukee Bucks found new life with their stunning signing of Myles Turner to a four-year deal, according to Shams Charania.
Turner had been attached to the Pistons in speculation, but most felt he would ultimately return to Indiana, which seemed like a forgone conclusion before Tyrese Haliburton’s devastating injury in the playoffs.
The Pacers went from one game from a title to losing their star and starting center, a tough break for Pacers fans who watched their championship window close in an instant while the Bucks’ suddenly opens again for Giannis, who just got an impact teammate to replace Brook Lopez.
It leaves the Pistons in a tough spot after their underwhelming offseason so far, as several teams in the Eastern Conference have improved.
Detroit Pistons: Playoffs are not a given in the crowded Eastern Conference
This signing puts the Bucks right back in the conversation as the best team in the East, especially with Boston and Indiana seemingly taking steps back after both their stars suffered unfortunate injuries.
I still wouldn’t rule out Boston, who is deep enough to make a run at the playoffs even without Jayson Tatum.
The Magic have improved with the addition of Desmond Bane, and they were already a very good team that had injury issues of their own this season. Better health and the addition of Bane should propel them in the standings.
The Atlanta Hawks smelled blood in the Eastern waters and added Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard, so they too could potentially move up in the standings. The Hawks went for it and have the potential to move into the playoffs.
We could see improvement from the Raptors with Brandon Ingram back and you can’t count out the 76ers having a renaissance year with better health.
With the Cavaliers and Knicks expected to be good again, what looked like a wide-open East that was there for the taking for the Pistons suddenly looks a little more daunting.
It’s still early in the offseason, and the Pistons may have more wheeling and dealing to do in the Dennis Schroder deal, but as of right now, a playoff spot is far from given.