| |
|
NBA -- Can the Pistons make the Top 8 in the East?
By Ahmad Shah
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 09 Sep 2018
DETROIT-- After a rousing 10-3 start last regular season, the Detroit Pistons hobbled in the end, finishing with a disappointing 39-43 record and missed the NBA playoffs by a mere four games behind the Washington Wizards.
But the upcoming 2018-19 season offers better hope.
With the relief of Stan Vundy the Pistons have a new bench tactician in former Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey. A new voice could set forth a new direction and marshal the troops to a more productive campaign.
As in last season's push, Detroit will rely heavily on the firepower of their front court --- the dangerous 1-2 punch of Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin. The 6-foot-11, 279-pound Drummond averaged 15 points and 16 rebounds in 78 games last season while the 6-foot-10, 251-pound Griffin turned in a well-rounded 19.8. points, 6.6 rebounds and 6.2 dimes in only 28 outings after he is trade from the Los Angeles Clippers last January 29.
Drummond and Griffin will earn a combined salary of $61 million this coming season, a huge chunk of the Pistons' total team salary of $124.7 million.
Adding to the strength of Detroit is the addition of veterans Jose Calderon from the Cleveland Cavaliers and ZaZa Pachulia from the Golden State Warriors, as well as Glen Robinson III from the Indiana Pacers. The bench, however, will be an issue as only Reggie Jackson is the catalyst with his 14.6 points and 5.3 assists per game average last season.
In terms of talent and bench depth, the Pistons have a long ways to go to catch up with Eastern Conference powerhouses such as Boston, Toronto, and Philadelphia. But with the East weakened at the lower rung, plus the departure of LeBron James from the Cleveland to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Pistons, if consistently healthy, may just sneak in for a playoffs spot in April next year.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ahmad Shah.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Boxing Insider Promotions to bring upscale pro boxing club show back to Times Square
, Thu, 06 Feb 2025The President of the World Boxing Organization and the Secretary of Recreation and Sports of Puerto Rico Strengthen Ties to Benefit Boxing and Puerto Rican Youth
, Thu, 06 Feb 2025Johnny Wellem Carzano rules Misamis Occidental active open chess championship
, Thu, 06 Feb 2025Boston Celtics Upend Cleveland, 112-105, Reduce Cavs Lead in the NBA Eastern Conf
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 05 Feb 2025The Past Week in Action 4 February 2025: Benavidez Beats Morrell; Fulton Outpoints Figueroa; Shields Defeats Perkins
By Eric Armit, , Wed, 05 Feb 2025Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford: Historic Riyadh Season Blockbuster Set for Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas
, Wed, 05 Feb 2025Xander Zayas: “This is the Most Important Fight of My Career!”
, Wed, 05 Feb 2025Mano Mano sa Candelaria 3: Gemino Outpoints Mancito
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 05 Feb 2025THE TALENTED AND UNDEFEATED SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT DARIUS “DFG” FULGHUM RETURNS AS CO-MAIN EVENT FOR DUARTE VS. PROGRAIS
, Wed, 05 Feb 2025IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in Niš to highlight the ascending stars of female boxing
, Wed, 05 Feb 2025Kaipo Gallegos Shines in Las Vegas Victory Over Leonardo Padilla
, Wed, 05 Feb 2025World Boxing membership grows to 72 National Federations as Executive Board approves four new applications from Egypt, Gambia, Kiribati and Grenada
, Wed, 05 Feb 2025Deonte Brown signs with prominent manager Trifon Petrov
, Wed, 05 Feb 2025Memphis Grizzlies Repeat Over SA Spurs, Overtake Houston Rockets for 2nd in West
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Tue, 04 Feb 2025WEIGHTS FROM NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
, Tue, 04 Feb 2025IM Michael Concio and Chester Neil Reyes banner IIEE Quezon to win the quarterfinals of the PTC World Engineering Day online Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 04 Feb 2025THURSDAY: Arthur Biyarslanov-Mohamed Mimoune & Heavyweight KO Artist Bakhodir Jalolov’s Return to Stream LIVE and Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+
, Tue, 04 Feb 2025Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford: The Super Fight of 2025 Officially Set for Las Vegas
, Tue, 04 Feb 2025Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Claressa Shields Makes History and Captures the Undisputed Heavyweight Title at Super Brawl Sunday in Flint, Mich.
, Tue, 04 Feb 2025Granite Chin Promotions bringing pro boxing back to Bridgewater “Fight Night at the Vets Club III”
, Tue, 04 Feb 2025ATLANTIC CITY BOXING HALL OF FAME ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2025
, Tue, 04 Feb 2025Chester Neil Reyes rules 2025 Santa Maria Town Fiesta Chess Challenge
By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 03 Feb 2025Taduran defense may be rematch
By Joaquin Henson, , Sun, 02 Feb 2025PFF turns over balls to DavNor
By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 02 Feb 2025David Benavidez Overcomes Knockdown to Unify Light Heavyweight Titles in Thrilling Bout Against David Morrell Jr.
, Sun, 02 Feb 2025 |
|
|
|
|
|
