NBA Power Rankings 18: A new top team as the playoffs approach

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 23: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers walks in reverse to the bench during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 23, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images ) /

5 of 31

(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

. 18-43. Previous: 27th. Detroit Pistons. 27. team. 64

Last Week: Beat Cleveland Cavaliers 109-105, Lost to Dallas Mavericks 127-117, Lost to San Antonio Spurs 106-91, Lost to Indiana Pacers

This Week: 4/26 vs. Atlanta Hawks, 4/29 vs. Dallas Mavericks, 5/1 vs. Charlotte Hornets

The tank rolls on for the Detroit Pistons. Even with four rookies on the team, there is very little news surrounding the team, much the way there is not much attention when they are successful. For fans of the team, each game brings little nuggets of enjoyment combined with boredom when Killian Hayes is off the court.

Two players who likely fall under the radar for the national stage have been having quietly solid seasons and deserve to be recognized. First, the Josh Jackson reclamation continues. The former number five overall pick showed progress last season with the Memphis Grizzlies and has continued to improve in his hometown this season. This week he averaged 17.3 points, 3.8 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game. He is not afraid to risk his body to drive to the rim to ruin an opponent’s day.

Perhaps even more surprising, Frank Jackson has turned into a legitimate sniper that teams need to fear. On the season, he is shooting 40.5 percent from long range on 3.5 attempts per game. Four out of the last six games have seen him top 14 points. If nothing else, he has shown that he deserves far more than his two-way status would imply.