If you asked most NBA experts to choose next year’s Eastern Conference champion, most would choose either the Knicks or Cavaliers, but after that, it’s completely wide open, as there are several teams that have an argument as the third-best team in the East, including the Detroit Pistons.
Power has shifted in the conference in the worst possible way, as devastating injuries to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton may have set their respective teams back. The Celtics had a fire sale to get out of the second apron and the Pacers did little to improve their squad, hoping they can still contend for the playoffs without Haliburton.
I wouldn’t count either of these teams out, and it’s still likely they finish in the top 10, but there’s no arguing that they are better off having lost key players.
The Bucks could be at a crossroads if the addition of Myles Turner doesn’t offset the loss of Damian Lillard, as they have limited ways to improve the roster otherwise.
With some of the heavy hitters on the ropes, the field is wide open for newcomers to move in, and the Detroit Pistons are primed to be one of them.
Eastern Conference standings: How high can the Detroit Pistons climb?
The first team that comes to mind as top competition for the third seed is the Orlando Magic.
The Magic were already one of the best defensive teams in the league and added a real shooter in Desmond Bane to boost their biggest weakness. They also had bad injury luck last season, and if that changes, they are going to be tough.
Even though most believe the Knicks and Cavs are still the best teams in the East, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Orlando jump into the conversation.
That’s also true of the Atlanta Hawks, who probably improved more than any other team in the East, at least on paper. They added more shooting and size in Kristaps Porzingis, another elite shooter in Luke Kennard and a two-way wing in Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The Hawks are also hoping for a healthy season from Jalen Johnson, so are poised to make a huge leap if they can stay healthy, as they are suddenly loaded.
It’s hard to see the 76ers staying healthy enough to be a real threat and the Hornets, Bulls and Heat are still spinning their wheels, though you can never count Miami out.
That leaves the Pistons, who arguably have more continuity than the teams mentioned above, know who they are and where they need to improve. They have some new players to incorporate but they are guys who are classic role players who know their jobs.
The Pistons have a big addition of their own in Jaden Ivey to go along with full offseason improvements from Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland.
The Pistons might not be the favorite for a top three seed, but they are in the conversation for now and may be in the best position to claim the spots vacated by the longtime gatekeepers of the East.