Three Boldish Predictions For The Pistons' Upcoming Season
The offseason fatigue is real. With the lack of news in the last month or so, the NBA is in the awkward stage between the rest of the offseason and training camp. However, one thing you can always look forward to is some hot-takes by fans of different teams. In this article, I will give three bold, or decently bold, predictions for the Detroit Pistons this upcoming season, some good and some bad!
1. Saddiq Bey will average 20 PPG and will be in contention for Most Improved Player
The stage is set for Saddiq Bey. Last season, he showed flashes that he can be more than a 3-and-D player, punctuated by a 51-point performance against Orlando. However, this season needs to be more than flashes — it’s about opportunities. The Pistons have essentially made Bey the second scoring option on the team behind Cade Cunningham after trading forward Jerami Grant to the Portland Trailblazers this offseason. You combine this with his work-ethic, and you can see why fans have such high expectations for him. Around the league, Bey is still somewhat unknown, which will prime him for a run at the Most Improved Player award.
2. The Pistons will end up tanking towards the end of the year
This one may come to the surprise of some fans, but with such a young roster, it is hard to see this team actually competing for a play-in spot, for now. I think fans tend to overrate teams and trajectory, especially rookies, in the offseason. While Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren are great additions to the team, both are somewhat raw prospects that will need time to develop, and there's nothing wrong with that. One constant theme amongst young teams that do compete is the presence of veterans that can contribute meaningfully. This is where I think the loss of Grant hurts. Grant provided stability to the roster from a game-to-game basis, which is no longer going to be there. Sure Cory Joseph, Rodney McGruder, Kelly Olynyk, Alec Burks, and Nerlens Noel will help, but the impact of Grant leaving outweighs them. I think the Pistons will finally see the fruits of their labor in the 2023 season.
3. Isaiah Livers cements his spot in the starting lineup
Okay, this one may be a little bit biased since I'm a Michigan student, but I am high on Livers. The second year player from U-M was kept out for most of his rookie season due to a foot injury, but nevertheless made an impact towards the end of the season with his three-point shooting. In Summer League, Livers displayed some impressive skills on the defensive end as well. Livers just fits the 3-and-D prototype that has been widely successful in the NBA in recent years. If there is one thing the Pistons need this year, it's shooting. Last season the Pistons ranked 29th in three-point shooting, so any help they can get there is a big plus. I see a situation where Livers and Bey end up mixing between the forward positions, and either Isaiah Stewart, Noel or Duren end up playing the 5. Regardless, Livers will show that he belongs in the NBA.
