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5 Reasons The Detroit Pistons Won’t Make The Playoffs

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 4, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) walks onto the court with guard Reggie Jackson (1) and forward Anthony Tolliver (43) in front of him during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons beat the Heat 99-98. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) walks onto the court with guard Reggie Jackson (1) and forward Anthony Tolliver (43) in front of him during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons beat the Heat 99-98. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Detroit Pistons
Apr 4, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) walks onto the court with guard Reggie Jackson (1) and forward Anthony Tolliver (43) in front of him during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons beat the Heat 99-98. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

For the first time in seven years, the Detroit Pistons have reason to be optimistic about the upcoming season. When Stan Van Gundy’s team tips off against the reigning No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference Tuesday night, he can be confident that what his team lacks in star talent, it makes up for in positional fit.

At the very least, we know that SVG has tailored this team to fit the playing style he was so successful with as head coach of the Orlando Magic: surrounding one monster center who demands respect down low with three-point shooters to spread the floor. In the pace-and-space era, this approach based on versatility and long range shooting makes more sense than ever.

ALSO ON HOOPSHABIT: The Big Question Facing Each NBA Team In 2015-16

But heading into the 2015-16 season, do the Detroit Pistons have a legitimate shot at the playoffs? Nothing is out of the question in the weaker Eastern Conference, and there’s no question that the Pistons will be a legitimate contender for one of those last few playoff spots. After all, Detroit went .500 last season after that appalling 5-23 start.

But for the sake of playing devil’s advocate, it’s worth examining the limitations that could hold the Pistons out of the playoffs for the seventh year in a row.

Next: No. 5

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