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NBA: 3 teams poised for a Memphis-style surge this season

By Luke Duffy

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 13: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors defends as Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on November 13, 2021 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 13: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors defends as Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on November 13, 2021 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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Jaden Ivey of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Jaden Ivey of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

NBA Team #3: Detroit Pistons

The recent history of the Detroit Pistons has been, in the nicest way possible, boring. Nothing was really happening in the Motor City, and that included during the strange Blake Griffin era. Other teams were free to fall below them, only to rise faster as a result of strong draft picks and free-agent moves.

That all changed last year when the Pistons drafted Cade Cunningham first overall, and they now look primed to make a move in the East. Going from the bottom of the standings to the play-in doesn’t seem that impressive, but actually, you can make the case that they could insert themselves into the playoffs properly.

The Orlando Magic are another young and exciting team with upside, but they may be a year away from being where the Pistons are now. The Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards are in some kind of downward spiral with thin roster construction. Both are there for the taking. The Chicago Bulls are a good team on paper, but the mystery surrounding Lonzo Ball’s knee means they could blow it up at any time.

The Indiana Pacers aren’t going anywhere, and the New York Knicks could be good, but not so good that the Pistons should be scared. This leaves a trio of Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and the newly acquired Bojan Bogdanovic as a solid start. Ivey is rightly getting some Rookie of the Year buzz, while Isaiah Stewart, Saddiq Bey, Kevin Knox, Corey Joseph, and Nerlens Noel round out a competent top eight.

Kemba Walker might be able to give them something, and the 18-year-old Jalen Duren has received some warm praise already. Put simply, there’s a lot to like here, and although the East is really strong at the top, the softer middle is there for the taking. Which is why the Pistons make this list. They could make the top eight in the conference and put themselves in the postseason.