20. Detroit Pistons

By: Lucas Kochevar

        The Pistons missed out on the playoffs after having high expectations going into last season. It is another season and the East is weak. The Pistons should easily bounce back and make the playoffs, right? Wrong, I believe the Pistons are overrated by some people as they have no true scorer. They made moves in the off season that should help them become better on defense, but they need offense. They have the best wing defender in the NBA in Avery Bradley, who they traded for, but he cannot carry an offense. They have one of the best rebounding centers in the league in Andre Drummond, but he can barely make a free throw and he has little to no post game. Their defense will be one of the best in the league, but their offense will be one of the worst. This is their projected starting lineup.

PG: Reggie Jackson
SG: Avery Bradley
SF: Tobias Harris
PF: Jon Leur
C: Andre Drummond

6th Man: Stanley Johnson

        The Pistons PG Reggie Jackson played at an all star level two years ago, but last year he was saddled with injuries that slowed him down throughout the year and trade rumors about him started swirling. Jackson has great potential to be the Pistons PG for years to come if he can stay healthy and  turn the ball over less and throw more assists. Ish Smith will likely serve as his backup. Avery Bradley is the starting SG after Kentavius Caldwell-Pope left for the Lakers. Bradley is an upgrade over Caldwell-Pope as he is a much better defender and a more consistent shooter. They are training Luke Kennard to hopefully take over that position if Bradley leaves. Tobias Harris is the starting SF and he is a solid defender for the Pistons as he saw a decrease last year in his production. Stanley Johnson may or may not be able to replace him if he keeps going down. The PF is the weakest spot with Jon Leur starting. Henry Ellenson can hopefully develop into the starting position. Drummond is still the rock at center with his superb rebounding, but he needs to improve elsewhere. Otherwise, he will be replaced and traded in due time. Hopefully the Pistons can make some noise, but ultimately I can see them missing out on the playoffs again.