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Detroit Pistons: Biggest strengths and weaknesses for 2017-18

By Karintha Styles

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 6: Anthony Tolliver #43 of the Detroit Pistons high fives his teammates during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on October 6, 2017 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 6: Anthony Tolliver #43 of the Detroit Pistons high fives his teammates during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on October 6, 2017 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Weakness No. 1: Can the Detroit Pistons stay healthy?

The Detroit Pistons lost a lot of man hours to the injury bug last year. Reggie Jackson‘s ongoing knee tendonitis caused him to miss 30 games last season. The Pistons’ lack of depth on the bench left them without many answers when their star guard went down.

During the Pistons’ Media Day, Van Gundy told Keith Langlois of NBA.com how important it would be to bring Jackson back slowly.

"“There’s more than the injury healing when guys are coming back,” he said. “There’s a lot more to it.” “We won’t throw him out in a regular-season game until he’s ready to go through everything for a week,” Van Gundy said. “We want to get to where he can go out there every day, do everything, feel fine, have confidence, know he’s in a rhythm and be out there with his teammates to develop a rhythm. We didn’t do that last year. That’s on me.”"

Andre Drummond had some health and injury issues as well. During the offseason, Drummond had surgery to repair a deviated septum. He dropped close to 30 pounds during the summer break and as a result, he’s jumping higher and moving to the ball quicker.

Drummond discussed his offseason conditioning and surgical rehab with the Detroit Free Press.

"“I feel fantastic,” Drummond said. “Right now, I’m at 285. I lost 30-something pounds, ballpark. I’m moving faster, jumping higher. I feel great overall. A lot of conditioning this summer to really get myself in tip-top shape.”"

Staying injury-free is the one weakness that the team can’t control. Conditioning, rehabbing and not rushing players back too soon may help the Pistons avoid the injury bug and keep players on the court all season.

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