Game 71: Pistons (19-51) @ Cavs (40-30) Mar. 19 8:00 PM EST

[zeebneeb]

I'm not even projecting towards next season; all I said is that RIGHT NOW this team is playing well enough to hang. Even our losses are competitive. We aren't the most talented and we've clearly got major issues, but we play hard every night and are not an easy out for anybody. We are currently playing way above our record.

If somebody wants to disagree with that assessment they certainly can, but last years team has nothing to do with that. Next years team doesn't have anything to do with it either.

I'll tell you what, if this team was on the brink of making the playoffs, both Boston, and especially Toronto would be sweating bullets right now.

I'm not even joking. For whatever the reason, this team matches up extremely well against those two.

We are 7-7 over our last 14 games. Our PPG has moved from less than 103 ppg (dead last) to about 110 ppg (league average). That may not sound like much, but it's actually a huge deal. Our PPG differential has gone from being over 8 to about 2 ppg. And every single one of those 7 losses was decided in the 4th quarter. This is how we looked after 3Q's in each of those losses...

Up 91 to 84 vs. CHI (lost by 6)
Up 72 to 70 vs. LAC (lost by 4)
Up 73 to 68 vs. MIA (lost by 7)
Down 81 to 82 vs. CLE (lost by 4)
Down 85 to 87 vs. WAS (lost by 3)
Up 82 to 78 vs. BOS (lost by 9)
Down 90 to 92 vs. BOS (lost by 11

We were in every single one of those games. Either up or down by 2 or less heading into the 4th. It's not surprising that a young team would struggle to close games, but I don't think it's fair to point out how close our W's were without doing the same for our losses. These are not blowouts. Even games where we've been severely short-handed we are making teams earn it. While Casey runs out his terrible tank-a-thon lineups. And winning 50% of those close games isn't too shabby.

If I were a playoff team I'd be looking at ORL, HOU & OKC as easy W's. I don't think anybody should be looking at Detroit that way. We are making every single game a real game. And doing it against some pretty decent teams during that stretch.

I don't think it's crazy to say we could actually have at least another pair of wins if Casey wasn't deliberately trotting out some garbage lineups and holding out players who would otherwise be suited up. We've got a stealth-tank going and are STILL almost winning. And that was my point when I said this team is too good to tank. Even with the obvious attempts at throwing games we are still right friggin' there. It's actually kinda awesome. It feels like Cade is doing his best Shane Falco impersonation. Or maybe Ricky Vaughn?

I have maintained since the start of the season that this team would be competing for a play-in spot. A few things derailed that(Cade's injury, various injuries)but it's obvious that this Piston team is much better then its record indicates. This isn't just me talking either, this is also various other teams commentators as well. They see it, and they know it as well.(I almost always watch the opposing teams feed)

I also maintained that had this team had a different coach(a good example is thibs)they would have about 10 more wins right now. Casey has a very specific way of doing things, and he is pretty good at developing players, but he a horror show at game management. RIGID rotations, predictable play calls, and bizarre lineups. Now, I absolutely understand that landing another top pick is crucial to not making the same mistake so many other teams have made;

Get a great player, and immediately start building, and always landing a bit short on talent. I get it I really do.

This team has legitimate pieces;

Cade
Bey
Stewart
Bagley
Grant
Diallo
Livers
Olynyk
Hayes

These are all NBA players, just most are perfect bench players. I'm watching the Rockets game right now, and that team is legitimately bad. Missing pieces, bad defense, e.t.c.

I also agree that the team is stealth tanking for the reason I mentioned, adding top talent thru the draft. As you stated, the team is almost winning, or winning despite Casey's (obvious at times) effort to lose.

I believe next year, unless something catastrophic happens,(injuries, drafted player sucks, bad trade)this teams record is going to be damn near double what it is this year.

[Cowology]

We should see an organizational shift in terms of purpose. We'll be looking to compete next year, not tank. It's too far off for me to make any type of predictions but as it currently stands I would not be shocked if we made a significant jump towards 40 win territory. But that assumes a lot of things go well for us. Definitely possible, but I wouldn't be too discouraged if we're still another year away from that.

What I always preach in my work environment is a model of continuous improvement. I just want progress. Keep moving the right direction. Be it fast or slow, just keep moving forward.

[zeebneeb]

We should see an organizational shift in terms of purpose. We'll be looking to compete next year, not tank. It's too far off for me to make any type of predictions but as it currently stands I would not be shocked if we made a significant jump towards 40 win territory. But that assumes a lot of things go well for us. Definitely possible, but I wouldn't be too discouraged if we're still another year away from that.

What I always preach in my work environment is a model of continuous improvement. I just want progress. Keep moving the right direction. Be it fast or slow, just keep moving forward.

I wouldn't be shocked as well. It would appear that Casey is safe for the upcoming season so there is that, and there are a huge amount of variables that could have a massive impact on next year, notably, the ping-pong balls.

I believe that if the Pistons land a top 4 pick, there is a great chance at a big turnaround next year, and that the pick will contribute to it. With that said, a top 2 pick could have a ripple effect down the roster as it ensures a big is selected, so a trade has to happen, as the top of the draft, play Grant's position. That could mean an even greater influx of talent with that trade.

Now if the pick is 5 or lower, it could spell trouble, and another slow rebuilding year.

TLDR, draft determines next year's success.

[MotownMadness]

We should see an organizational shift in terms of purpose. We'll be looking to compete next year, not tank. It's too far off for me to make any type of predictions but as it currently stands I would not be shocked if we made a significant jump towards 40 win territory. But that assumes a lot of things go well for us. Definitely possible, but I wouldn't be too discouraged if we're still another year away from that.

What I always preach in my work environment is a model of continuous improvement. I just want progress. Keep moving the right direction. Be it fast or slow, just keep moving forward.

I wouldn't be shocked as well. It would appear that Casey is safe for the upcoming season so there is that, and there are a huge amount of variables that could have a massive impact on next year, notably, the ping-pong balls.

I believe that if the Pistons land a top 4 pick, there is a great chance at a big turnaround next year, and that the pick will contribute to it. With that said, a top 2 pick could have a ripple effect down the roster as it ensures a big is selected, so a trade has to happen, as the top of the draft, play Grant's position. That could mean an even greater influx of talent with that trade.

Now if the pick is 5 or lower, it could spell trouble, and another slow rebuilding year.

TLDR, draft determines next year's success.

Would be great if Grant was willing to be our 6th man. we could be pretty dangerous with a guy like Banchero/Smith and Grant off the bench.

Or we draft Chet and it doesn't matter

[bstein14]

Banchero is 6'10" and 250 pounds if we draft him we almost certainly start him at center.

[zeebneeb]

[streamable][/streamable]

We should see an organizational shift in terms of purpose. We'll be looking to compete next year, not tank. It's too far off for me to make any type of predictions but as it currently stands I would not be shocked if we made a significant jump towards 40 win territory. But that assumes a lot of things go well for us. Definitely possible, but I wouldn't be too discouraged if we're still another year away from that.

What I always preach in my work environment is a model of continuous improvement. I just want progress. Keep moving the right direction. Be it fast or slow, just keep moving forward.

I wouldn't be shocked as well. It would appear that Casey is safe for the upcoming season so there is that, and there are a huge amount of variables that could have a massive impact on next year, notably, the ping-pong balls.

I believe that if the Pistons land a top 4 pick, there is a great chance at a big turnaround next year, and that the pick will contribute to it. With that said, a top 2 pick could have a ripple effect down the roster as it ensures a big is selected, so a trade has to happen, as the top of the draft, play Grant's position. That could mean an even greater influx of talent with that trade.

Now if the pick is 5 or lower, it could spell trouble, and another slow rebuilding year.

TLDR, draft determines next year's success.

Would be great if Grant was willing to be our 6th man. we could be pretty dangerous with a guy like Banchero/Smith and Grant off the bench.

Or we draft Chet and it doesn't matter

So many variables/variations for next year, it's next to impossible to guess next years record, until we all know draft position. I am honestly planning for the 4th or lower pick. I can't see the Pistons landing back to back #1 picks.

I want Chet, or Smith.(bigman jinx be damned)

As for Grant, he wants that massive extension. Do they give it to him and bring him off the bench? I mean its not my money, but I just cannot see that happening.

[MotownMadness]

Banchero is 6'10" and 250 pounds if we draft him we almost certainly start him at center.

Could but i think we need to find a rim protector lob threat there.

[zeebneeb]

Banchero is 6'10" and 250 pounds if we draft him we almost certainly start him at center.

Could but i think we need to find a rim protector lob threat there.

That could be the backup plan in Robinson. Pistons "end up" with Banchero, and nab Robinson for the rim protection.

[Cowology]

Keep in mind that IF we swap out Grant (or Stewart) for a rookie there is a decent chance we're taking an immediate step backwards. Obviously we're looking at long term gains, but you don't just replace a 20 ppg scorer who plays solid defense and not feel it. We'll be counting on guys like Cade & Bey to continue their forward progress, but it's not going to be all gains. There will be setbacks too.

If we draft a guard and start them in place of CoJo that would almost certainly be an immediate upgrade, but even then it takes time to gel and for rookies to learn their role and acclimate to the NBA. It's great when you have a ROY candidate like Cade, but not everybody comes on that quickly.

[MotownMadness]

Banchero is 6'10" and 250 pounds if we draft him we almost certainly start him at center.

Could but i think we need to find a rim protector lob threat there.

That could be the backup plan in Robinson. Pistons "end up" with Banchero, and nab Robinson for the rim protection.

I like it, Banchero is also a threat as lob passer as well so i think it works nice and opens up alot out there. Then add some 3 point shooters as well.

[MotownMadness]

Keep in mind that IF we swap out Grant (or Stewart) for a rookie there is a decent chance we're taking an immediate step backwards. Obviously we're looking at long term gains, but you don't just replace a 20 ppg scorer who plays solid defense and not feel it. We'll be counting on guys like Cade & Bey to continue their forward progress, but it's not going to be all gains. There will be setbacks too.

If we draft a guard and start them in place of CoJo that would almost certainly be an immediate upgrade, but even then it takes time to gel and for rookies to learn their role and acclimate to the NBA. It's great when you have a ROY candidate like Cade, but not everybody comes on that quickly.

Im expecting a big jump from Cade and hopefully Bey as well. Plus we should come in out the gate with a identity around Cade as the absolute #1.

[Manocad]

Banchero is 6'10" and 250 pounds if we draft him we almost certainly start him at center.

That could be be but anyone with two eyes and half a brain isn't watching Banchero and thinking "Yeah, he's our paint protector." Like not even REMOTELY close.

[bstein14]

Banchero is 6'10" and 250 pounds if we draft him we almost certainly start him at center.

That could be be but anyone with two eyes and half a brain isn't watching Banchero and thinking "Yeah, he's our paint protector." Like not even REMOTELY close.

If Grant and Bey are both here on opening day, and we draft Banchero, I think the most likely scenario is that Banchero starts at center. More likely than we shift everyone down a notch. More likely than we bring Banchero, Bey or Grant off the bench.

Of course, its certainly something that I could be wrong about..... but we've played so small the last few years having Lyles/Olynyk play a bunch of five I just see someone with Banchero's size playing center for us.... even if he isn't a rim protecter.

I actually think he's most likely a better rebounder than we've seen in college, because he's been playing next to a legit NBA center in Mark Williams.

That said, its a small chance we'll see Banchero in a Pistons uniform so we will likely never know how Casey/Weaver would fit him into our current lineup.