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NBA Power Rankings: Re-seeding the East after the NBA Draft, Free Agency

By Michael Saenz

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 29: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the first quarter against the Miami Heat in game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 29, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 29: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the first quarter against the Miami Heat in game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 29, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons Cade Cunningham (Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports) /

13. Detroit Pistons

On paper, there’s a lot to like about the Detroit Pistons heading into the start of the season. However, because of how young their talent is, and their injury history from last year, it’s hard to put huge expectations on the Pistons. Quite frankly, it would be flat-out unfair to do so. Their ceiling is high. In a perfect world, there’s a scenario where the Pistons are fighting for a 7-10 spot in the Play-In Tournament in the Eastern Conference this season.

A large portion of that weight falls on the shoulders of Cade Cunningham. If he can continue to develop into the player that many believed he could be coming out of college, the Pistons are in very good hands. However, if he struggles or gets off to a slow start to the season, Detroit is going to naturally struggle. That’s not necessarily a bad thing but it could just mean this team is still 1-2 years away from being a real player in the East.

Honestly, at this point, I could see either outcome taking place. At the very least, they’re certainly a team to keep an eye on as the season progresses.