Detroit Pistons: 2018-19 NBA season preview

Predictions

The Pistons should likely make the playoffs this season, due to the Cavaliers’ regression without LeBron James. However, none of the other playoff teams from last season has had significant regressions from a player standpoint. The Raptors added Kawhi Leonard, and the Milwaukee Bucks changed to a better head coach in Mike Budenholzer. Unfortunately for the Pistons, it’s likely that they are fodder for one of the top seeds this season.

It will take some time for Casey’s system to get fully implemented, and there will likely be some injuries along the way. While there is no guarantee any of the players will miss significant time, it is a very real possibility with the players currently on this roster. The Pistons finished just below .500 last season at 39-43, but they should be able to improve on that this year with a better coach and a stronger roster.

This team should give fans more to root about than they have had in years past, but it won’t get to the championship levels fans are hoping for just yet. With a full offseason of Griffin and Drummond, the team should have a better up-front chemistry that can help expand on the possibilities there.

If the Detroit Pistons remain completely healthy, they could surprise a lot of people, but it’s highly unlikely that happens as things stand right now, leaving them with a 43-39 record and the 8-seed in the East.