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NBA Power Rankings: New Year’s Resolutions for Every Team

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 28, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard Wesley Matthews (2) celebrate against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of the game at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Trail Blazers won 101-79. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard Wesley Matthews (2) celebrate against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of the game at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Trail Blazers won 101-79. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jodie Meeks (20) reacts after making basket while fouled by the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Detroit Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic 109-86. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jodie Meeks (20) reacts after making basket while fouled by the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Detroit Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic 109-86. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

23. Detroit Pistons

Previous: No. 28

Record: 8-23

Last Week: 3-0

New Year’s Resolution: Convert Open Looks

The Detroit Pistons currently rank No. 25 in scoring offense, No. 29 in field goal percentage and No. 20 in 3-point field goal percentage. This may seem like a weak suggestion, but, “Make open looks,” acknowledges the reality of the situation.

Detroit’s No. 1 problem has been that it simply cannot convert the efficient looks it receives.

The Pistons committed to a more efficient brand of offense by waiving Josh Smith. The Pistons have already begun to right the ship, shooting 54.7 percent from the field against the Indiana Pacers and setting a franchise record with 17 3-point field goals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

After a 23-point win over Cleveland, Detroit picked up a 23-point win over the Orlando Magic with 14 3-point field goals made.

Suddenly, the Pistons are becoming a Stan Van Gundy type of team.

In each of Van Gundy’s five seasons with the Orlando Magic, his teams ranked No. 1 in 3-point field goals made per game. Detroit acquired the likes of Caron Butler and Jodie Meeks to facilitate the same type of system.

With Andre Drummond at center and Greg Monroe at power forward, the Pistons have the interior forces to score efficiently.

It’s about knocking down the open perimeter looks that haven’t been going down in previous games.

Next: It Takes Two to Tango, Part II