Detroit Pistons: 5 keys to making the playoffs in 2017-18

The Detroit Pistons addressed important deficiencies with shooting and defense in the offseason.  Will the changes yield them a playoff spot in 2017-18?

The Detroit Pistons limped into 10th place in the Eastern Conference last year after a disappointing season riddled with injury.

The Pistons eased the frustration of the missing the playoffs by drafting Luke Kennard with the 12th pick of the 2017 NBA Draft. Then they traded Marcus Morris to Boston for Avery Bradley. He adds a defensive presence and much-needed shooting to the roster.

Andre Drummond spent the summer working on his free throws, conditioning and recuperating from surgery to repair a deviated septum.

If the team can stay healthy and step up its defensive game just a bit, it has a great chance of returning to the playoffs this year. Last season, the 10th place Pistons were just five games out of the seventh playoff spot in the East. It’s not hard to imagine a slight improvement or a tweak here and there will land them in the playoffs in the East.

The Detroit Pistons need to focus on five key areas if they want to have a realistic chance at making a playoff appearance this season. Here are five keys to focus on that will almost ensure the Pistons a playoff berth.