Premature Season Preview: How The Detroit Pistons Can Realistically Make The Play-In Tournament
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Coming off yet another lackluster off-season, Troy Weaver's vision to get Detroit back on the map as a homegrown, Eastern Conference powerhouse is rapidly unfolding. The past three NBA Drafts have undoubtedly expedited this process by adding unique players that embody the city's culture and underdog mentality. This young, revitalized core, headlined by a backcourt of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, will be faced with a heavy set of expectations come October 19.
As for the 2022-23 season, expectations vary from individual performances and growth to team record and playoff appearance considerations. Ideally, the Detroit Pistons will be a premier fringe team and will make a run toward the play-in tournament. Not only would this bring vital experience for the youthful lineup, but also considerable respect from the national media and will encourage big-name free agents to seriously consider the Motor City and the substantial cap space that the Pistons possess in the upcoming off-season. Here are three requirements outlining the necessary components for the Pistons to accomplish this feat.
Year Two Cade Must Be An Absolute Unit
Following the All-Star Break, Cade's play was far from rookie-esque. He was increasingly poised as a ball-handler and got to his spots effortlessly - which had a direct correlation to the team's improved overall play and the .500 record in the season's final stretch. Riding this high level of play into the offseason surely creates tremendously high expectations for the sophomore stud. Furthermore, the effort Cunningham has made in the weight room should not go unnoticed. In stark contrast to his rookie affair, he now has a massive build for a 21-year-old guard and looks ready to make the leap as a more aggressive slasher that initiates contact more often than avoids it. On Media Day, Dwayne Casey mentioned that Cade looked "unrecognizable" at first sight and casually disclosed that he gained 20 pounds of muscle - an incredible achievement for anyone who strictly follows a vegan diet.
Although the weight may impact his first step, Cade's shifty hesitations and brisk changes in pace are his primary weapons to score and shot-create on the floor. Behind his consistent scoring and playmaking abilities, if Cade can manage to average 24 points per game, compared to his 21.1 average to close out the season, his Pistons squad will undoubtedly maximize their chances to contend for a play-in spot.
The Isaiah Combo
The Isaiahs on this squad must develop into their crucial roles and execute flawlessly to improve what has been a lackluster offense.
In Stewart's case, fans witnessed glimpses of satisfactory three-point shooting throughout the Summer League; however, the essential question still remains: Does Stewart have what it takes to be a substantial threat from three? The answer will determine his role as a hybrid stretch four and future as a Piston. His development and success as a shooter would bring incredible versatility to an extremely one-dimensional offense over the past few seasons.
Fortunately, his shot appears to be strides better compared to last season. His stroke looks clean for his height, and though his arc may be flat, he knocked down the three-ball consistently at the open practice and first preseason matchup against the Knicks. As the season progresses, Stewart will ideally transition to play in the high post and corners alongside a pure, interior-dominant center such as Marvin Bagley III and Jalen Duren.
On the other hand, Isaiah Livers showed phenomenal flashes on both sides of the ball. His ability to be a sharpshooter off the bench while managing to be a defensive anchor with wondrous shot-blocking abilities was a sight to see during the Summer League. His technique and hustle are evident and unequivocally provide a spark to the second unit.
Though his rookie season was riddled with injury recovery, the second-year Michigan Man looks healthy and more ready than ever to prove his worth to this Pistons squad as their coveted 3-and-D guy. He will need to continue improving to compete for playing time; however, Livers is slowly looking like an ideal, long-term project for Dwayne Casey, who is known for his extraordinary player development.
Jaden Ivey Must Produce And Stay Healthy
Ivey looks excellent already. Sliding down the board on Draft Day left the Pistons with an unbelievable fortune. His Morant-esque vertical ability and downhill speed, power, and aggression, drawing comparisons to Russell Westbrook, have him in a league of his own when it comes to raw athleticism. Though it may take time, Ivey's 17.3/3.1 production at Purdue must translate into the NBA. As he quickly learned in a recent collision with New York Knick big man Mitchell Robinson, his competition is far different than what he is used to in college. NBA bodies are bigger and heavier, but learning to maneuver them and utilize his crafty finishing and explosive above-the-rim abilities will be crucial in revitalizing what has been a lackluster Detroit offense for many years.
It comes without saying, but as long as Ivey is on the floor, the Pistons will have scoring production. Athleticism may carry Ivey through the rocky road that all rookies endure; however, he must keep an eye on that ankle since his explosive play has proven to be highly prone to injury.
There are many benchmarks, individual and collective, for the Pistons this season, and it will take efforts from the entire squad to earn a play-in spot. Luckily, the road has been paved by Troy Weaver - it's just a matter of trusting the process.
