12. Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons should be lower on this list, but unlike the four teams that surround them, they have the luxury of playing in the Eastern Conference. This team out West may be looking at the top 5 pick, in the East though they have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs.
Blake Griffin may not be the most efficient star in the league but he is still a multi-talented point forward who can create for others or for himself if necessary. Reggie Jackson has struggled with injuries and hasn’t been able to recreate the impact he had in his first full season in Detroit.
Andre Drummond might very well be the best rebounder in the league, although he becomes a nonfactor on offense outside of three feet. This team has pieces, albeit pieces with flaws, and the reigning Coach of the Year, Dwayne Casey, may be the one to put them all together.
Unless he can get everyone on the same page immediately the Pistons are likely heading to the lottery once again. It took him years to get the Raptors to be unselfish and play the right way, so don’t expect a renaissance overnight in Detroit.