Detroit Pistons Avoid Last Place on NBA Power Rankings

For a while, the Detroit Pistons were looked at as the worst team in the NBA, and it wasn’t close. However, following the All-Star break, other teams’ struggles, along with Detroit’s fight, have given them a favorable spot on a power rankings list this week.

Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey must’ve gotten used to placing the Pistons 30th this year, as they’ve failed to reach ten wins nearly 60 games into the year.

But the Pistons aren’t the only rebuilding squad that’s struggling to stay afloat in a tough Eastern Conference. Placing 30th this week is the Washington Wizards. Sitting at 9-51 on the year, the Wizards are no longer tied for last with the Pistons in the East.

“Washington has dropped 13 in a row. And unlike some of the other teams that have spent this entire season at or near the bottom of the standings, there isn't a ton of hope-generating young talent on the roster.”

The Pistons avoided 30th place on this week’s rankings, and they didn’t get placed 29th either. Instead, the Charlotte Hornets dropped back two spots.

There is a notable gap between the Wizards, Pistons, and the Hornets. With a 15-45 record, the Hornets have a five-and-a-half-game lead over Washington and Detroit. Yet, it still doesn’t make a huge difference because none of these teams are expected to make a Play-In push at this point in the year.

“The Charlotte Hornets had some great post-trade-deadline vibes, when they won four straight and looked energized behind additions like Tre Mann, Grant Williams and Vasilije Micić. But it's probably safe to say those have worn off. Charlotte has lost three of its last four, with the lone win coming against the Portland Trail Blazers.”

The Pistons have just one win to show for since they returned from the break, but three of their last five games have gone down to the wire, with Detroit collecting a ten-point win over the Chicago Bulls on the road during the second night of a back-to-back.

“While improved play from Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, as well as the departure of Killian Hayes, has clarified the backcourt rotation for Monty Williams a bit, another sneaky factor in the improved competitiveness may be new forward Simone Fontecchio.”

They aren’t headed anywhere this season, but Detroit deserves credit for its fight as of late, and they are seeing the respect increase a bit as the final stretch progresses.