Detroit Pistons: 5 predictions for the 2018-19 NBA season

1. The Pistons will make the playoffs

This is a franchise in an interesting space, somewhere between rebuilding and win-now mode. Somewhere between patience and urgency. Somewhere between looking forward to a bright future and demanding success in the present.

Casey has been clear that this is not a reclamation project and that he expects to win right away, but at the same time, the Pistons are not close to being a legitimate title contender. For now, the must-win pressure is focused on just getting back to the playoffs.

Led by arguably the league’s best 4-5 tandem (Griffin and Drummond) and a point guard with star potential (Jackson), with an experienced winner on the bench (Casey) and a nice combination of shooters, defenders and athletes, the Pistons have what it takes to be a playoff team.

A lot will depend on the health of Griffin and Jackson, who have each missed a lot of time in recent years with a variety of injuries. That’s why this summer’s news of the Pistons reuniting with former trainer Arnie Kander was greeted with more excitement than most fanbases would have for that level of personnel move. The thought seems to be that if anyone can keep Griffin and Jackson on the court, it’s Kander.

If Detroit’s Big 3 forms a consistent foundation, making the playoffs should happen in 2019. The bigger question is if the Pistons can make some noise and maybe advance a round or two in the postseason.