Can new additions provide shooting Detroit Pistons need in 2019-20?

Predictions

As a middle-of-the-road team with 41 wins, and when considering the additions made this summer, it’s hard to envision the Pistons going backward.

As senior advisor Ed Stefanski alluded to, the depth of this squad is now a strength and not a weakness. With a second unit likely to feature the likes of Derrick Rose, Markieff Morris, Langston Galloway and Thon Maker, head coach Dwane Casey should be able to formulate a lot more intricate and dangerous lineups moving forward.

Overall, expect Blake Griffin to follow-up his All-NBA Third Team selection of last season with another comparable season. With an increase of talent surrounding him, Griffin could easily match his sizeable contributions of last season, but at a noticeably more efficient rate.

Ultimately, the difference for the Pistons in the 2019-20 season could come from the play of Andre Drummond. In averaging 17.3 points, 15.6 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.7 blocks per game, Drummond was excellent at both ends of the floor. Furthermore, the Pistons posted a 9-3 record when Drummond scored at least 23 points, with the team a whopping 12.5 points per 100 possessions better offensively with their imposing center on the floor.

So while their intriguing new mix of players will certainly play a role in determining their success, the frontcourt duo of Griffin and Drummond and their performance will ultimately decide their fortunes. For a prediction, the Pistons will record 45 wins in season 2019-20, placing them sixth overall in the Eastern Conference.