OT--ESPN Projects Pistons to Host First Round Series

Submitted by Gavia immer_MI on

ESPN projects the Pistons to finish one game better than last year, with a chance to have homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Their reasoning for only a one game improvement is the return of the same starting lineup. I personally think the bench is markedly improved and that coupled with a more experienced roster will lead to a 3-5 game improvement.

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2016/07/pistons_notes_espn_forec…

I know football season is approaching and our attention has mostly turned to the team (and rightfully so), but I find it so encouraging to see both Michigan football and the Pistons on the up and up. Anyways, just my two cents.

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Sledgehammer

July 27th, 2016 at 7:16 PM ^

The bench is definitely better. The Pistons are moving in the right direction and I think SVG will have them in the upper ranks of the east pretty soon.

Joined: 09/05/2011

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nerv

July 27th, 2016 at 7:25 PM ^

I really liked the moves that SVG made this offseason. All of the new deals were very reasonable under the new cap and make sense with the roster we have. We now have a serviceable bench unit and some actual depth, especially up front. Add to that fact the rest of the roster is in their early to mid 20's and I have a lot of optimism for a few win improvement this season.

Joined: 04/14/2009

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LSAClassOf2000

July 27th, 2016 at 8:22 PM ^

Last year was the first year in a long time that I really stayed with the Pistons- as in, watching most of the game even late in the season - in a long time. I will admit to being modestly excited this year, just to see the upward trend continue.

Joined: 01/07/2011

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Eastside Maize

July 27th, 2016 at 8:38 PM ^

I wouldn't even mind if they were a 5 seed because they would still have a good chance of winning the series. We gave cleveland hell the 1st round and getting to the 2nd round is the next step.

Joined: 06/09/2013

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mGrowOld

July 27th, 2016 at 9:17 PM ^

I would argue those four games against Detroit were the best thing that could've happened to the Cavs.   They got pushed, every game, and to play their best, every game, to win the series. The Pistons have nice nucleus and great coach - they just need a bit more consistent scoring.  

Atlanta on the other hand laid down in the fetal position and took their whupping like the pussyboys they are.

 

 

Joined: 10/04/2010

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Wolverheel

July 27th, 2016 at 9:27 PM ^

Damn is ESPN incompetent. They didn't have that starting lineup until the trade deadline, so around 65% or more of the schedule had already been played. With Tobias Harris in the lineup the Pistons paced for 56 wins. Couple that with the dramatically improved bench and it's not even a stretch to say they could be in a race for the 2 seed with Boston.

Joined: 03/30/2013

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mGrowOld

July 27th, 2016 at 9:55 PM ^

They are better and improving team but I dont seem them moving past the Raptors or the Celtics in the East (goes without saying they arent moving past the Cavs).  I see them as a four seed playing host to Atlanta which should move you into a second round match-up with the Cavs.

And while I dont think the Pistons will win the series I do think they'll win a couple and will push the Cavs to the limit....again.

You have to climb the hill it seems in the NBA.  Pistons of the 80's had to get by Boston and then, the Lakers.   Keep the nucleus in tact, keep Stan "form a fucking wall" Gundy and most importantly, get some consistent outside shooting and THEN you'll be pushing for #2.  I think that's coming the year after next FWIW.

EDIT: Just saw what Worldwide TJRob posted regarding the Pacers.  IMO they are posed to take a huge step backwards as I think they're about to learn the won because of Vogel, not in spite of him.  They have miss-mash roster with only Paul George to worry about.  I think they drop out of the playoffs altogether.

Joined: 10/04/2010

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WorldwideTJRob

July 28th, 2016 at 8:13 AM ^

Disagree on the Pacers. Vogel is a good coach but PG is the guy that stirs the drink in Indy. When he plays they make the playoffs. When he was hurt a couple seasons ago they missed the playoffs. Another year with him getting his legs back under him is scary for the league. You also discount the fact that they replaced him with a pretty good coach in Nate McMillan



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mGrowOld

July 27th, 2016 at 10:47 PM ^

That's right. Sideways.

I honestly believe the Cavs will be a much better regular season team next year. You'll notice LeBron is following the same playoff arc as in Miami-lose in 6 in finals year one, win finals year two and then really hit the high gear in year three.

Unlike Miami's ownership Gilbert (thank you Detroit for Gilbert BTW) is ready willing and able to pay the luxury tax for a title. If Miami hadn't been cheap he'd prolly still be there.

Joined: 10/04/2010

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bluesalt

July 28th, 2016 at 12:37 AM ^

Love them or hate them, Cavs are still number 1. Toronto, Boston, and Indiana look like 2-4 me, all teams that should win 50 games. So that leaves the Pistons with number 5 at best, although I think Chicago can bounce back this year.

Joined: 11/02/2011

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MichFan1997

July 28th, 2016 at 8:01 AM ^

am going to call for 48-34. I had them at 42-40 last season. I think they'll be a 4 or a 5 behind Cleveland, Boston, and Toronto for sure. That said, man has the last 2 years been fun to watch the Pistons build. They have an actual real vision now, unlike Dumars in his last 5 years where nothing seemed to fit with any other move he made. 

Joined: 08/04/2008

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Megatron

July 29th, 2016 at 12:17 AM ^

Will get out of the first round then lose to the Cavs in the 2ND round. Drummond can make some free throws seems like centers aren't good free throw shooters for whatever reason.

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