Detroit Pistons: 3 bold predictions for the 2018-19 season

1. The Pistons finish top-10 on offense and defense

Last season, the Pistons finished 19th in offensive rating and 11th in defensive rating. With a new system in place, the team could easily improve that finish on both ends of the floor. Casey’s Raptors focused on 3-point shooting around DeRozan. The Pistons have added Robinson and Khyri Thomas, who are both strong 3-point shooters. With the addition of Griffin, the team will have a player who can pass or score out of the post, which is something they’ve lacked.

The offense needs some serious work, but Casey knows how to bring the best out of his players. Jackson could have a resurgent season if he’s healthy. Drummond has flirted with adding a 3-point shot to his repertoire. This team has all of the pieces to make the jump to that next level. Additional shooters and offensive threats have been brought in, and Detroit just has to remain healthy for it to all come together this year.

The Pistons were 11th in defensive rating last season. They can easily improve on that mark with the new system. Switching is going to be even more common than it has been in recent years. Lineups featuring Griffin as the center and four wings will happen. This team presents a lot of issues for other teams when fully healthy because it has an older style of a roster. Defense has died down in importance recently, but the Detroit Pistons are the team to bring it back in style.