Post by Cleasby on Mar 15, 2014 9:54:11 GMT
40-42 Detroit Pistons Season Review
It was yet another tough year for the Pistons last year. Coming off the back of what should have beeen a fresh start for a teamthat has been stuck in limbo for many many years. Long gone are the days of Championship talk and even of playoff talk. Peoplein Detroit are still talking about the infamous trade for Allen Iverson.
The lock out and league change were meant to allow the Pistons a get out of free jailcard. But instead the Pistons were once again looking in from outside as the elite teams headed to the post season. What on earth went wrong for Detroit this year?! Lets take a look.
The Bad
Ibakas Injury
The Pistons managed to acquire Ibaka and he was certainly a key part to their success (yes we had a positive record with him in) however Serge went down with a torn ACL which effectively killed the season. A lack of true talent inside the post certainly affected the Pistons during the back end of the season. If Ibaka were to have stayed fit and healthy I think there would have been a very good case for the Pistons making the playoffs. With Ibaka being out for most of next season this will be a massive blow to the franchise.
Lack of Scoring
The Pistons were comfortably ranked one of the worst offensive teams last season. Always in the bottom five for scoring is certainly a real weakness that will need to be addressed. Alongside this a real lack of efficiency is the issue. When the team shoots around the 38-43% there is a problem with shot selection.
The Dumbness of the A.I
Selecting Drew Gooden was a poor move by the A.I. His six million in contract space would have been a very valuable asset this offseason. However Detroit will most likely be lumbered with his contract for the foreseeable future. Remind you of a certain CV?
However despite this issue there are some good things to take from the mess the Pistons find themselves in.
The Good
Defence
The Pistons prided themselves on their new defensive identity and it is fair to say Cleasby's philosophy is taking effect. Until the Ibaka injury the Pistons were within the top five for defensive efficiency. This did jump down to top ten afterwards but the philosophy is definitely visible. With a collection of solid defensive stoppers the Pistons can be sure they will never find themselves in a terrible situation.
The Two Guard System was effective – To an extent
Jose Calderon and Deron Williams in the backcourt had many positives. The ball was turned over less and the assist creation was excellent. The only downside was the lack of scoring between the pair. The main concern to begin with was defence but this seemed solid enough. Amongst the pair and Hayward the Pistons have a nice backcourt rotation.
Lotto Selection
The Pistons despite their drop off have landed a mid lottery pick in a draft that could see them select a solid rotation player. Whilst cap room is an issue the Pistons will almost certainly have someone on the board who can add a buzz to the roster.
Next Steps
For Detroit the offseason is likely to go two ways. Either Detroit will be very active in the market and we will see a lot of changes in a short space of time. Which would be very interesting to watch.
Or Detroit could be very inactive and sit and stand pat hoping that Ibakas return will spur the Pistons on to a playoff run.
Sources have already indicated one of the Pistons targets has been traded so it could be along offseason here in Motor City.