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Mediocrity in Motown: The Detroit Pistons need to bounce back in 2017-18

By Evan Dyal

AUBURN HILLS, MI - APRIL 05: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts late in the game during a 105-103 loss to the Toronto Raptors at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 5, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - APRIL 05: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons reacts late in the game during a 105-103 loss to the Toronto Raptors at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 5, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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AUBURN HILLS, MI – JANUARY 23: Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons yells from the bench while playing the Sacramento Kings at the Palace of Auburn Hills on January 23, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Sacramento won the game 109-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI – JANUARY 23: Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons yells from the bench while playing the Sacramento Kings at the Palace of Auburn Hills on January 23, 2017 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Sacramento won the game 109-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Next Season 

It’s been a rough 15 months for the Detroit Pistons and they face many more obstacles this upcoming season. Yes they are in the East, but that doesn’t mean they will make the playoffs. At this point Cleveland, Boston, Washington, Toronto, Milwaukee, Miami, Charlotte and Philadelphia look ahead of Detroit. On the bright side, they are better than the terrible teams like Atlanta, Chicago, Indiana, Brooklyn and New York. Detroit and Orlando will likely be in the middle fighting for the eight seed. The talent is there to make the playoffs, but a lot has to go right.

It falls on their stars. Jackson and Drummond simply have to bounce back. Drummond’s motor needs to be running all game. Jackson needs to work on his efficiency from deep, and pass more. If they play like two years ago, Detroit could be back on track, if they don’t Detroit should look to move them at the deadline. That would mean starting over most likely, but it’s better than being stuck in the middle with underachieving players.

Bradley will offer better outside shooting and defense at the two spot. That will help. He is also a tough veteran who can bring more stability to the locker room. The big question is can Stanley Johnson take a big step forward. Detroit should start him. They need to find out what they have and he at least has great defensive potential. At the 4 Harris needs to work on his outside shooting, and rim protection, but I think it’s his best place.

Must Read: Why the Suns, Bucks, and Nuggets shouldn’t trade for Kyrie Irving

Right now, Stan Van Gundy doesn’t have the team he envisioned. If things go south early, major changes are needed.

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