Detroit Pistons 2021 Season Preview

Detroit Pistons 2021 Season Preview

The Detroit Pistons are coming off a 20-46 season; they hired Troy Weaver as general manager to rebuild the roster during the offseason. Detroit had a lot of roster movement this off-season and had a pretty good draft this year.

Key Additions: Jerami Grant, Killian Hayes, Mason Plumlee, Delon Wright, Jahlil Okafor

The Pistons added Jerami Grant, who played last year for the Denver Nuggets. Grant played well off the bench for the Nuggets. He will look to play better in an expanded role for Detroit. Grant will need to develop his offensive game.

Detroit drafted Killian Hayes in the NBA Draft; he will get the car’s keys to run the Pistons’ offense. Hayes can get in the lane and find open shooters and is good in pick and roll situations. But he will need to improve his outside shot.

Mason Plumlee was also brought in; he is excellent at setting screens, rolling to the basket, and plays solid defense. Delon Wright brings some backcourt depth, and Jahil Okafor is a low post presence looking to extend his career.

Key Losses: Christian Wood, Luke Kennard, Tony Snell, Langston Galloway, Bruce Brown

The Pistons traded Christian Wood, Luke Kennard and lost Tony Snell and Langston Galloway. Wood and Kennard were quality players for the Pistons. Galloway and Snell were solid veterans to have on the roster. Also, they traded. Bruce Brown, who started 43 games for them

Starting Five: Killian Hayes, Delon Wright, Jerami Grant, Blake Griffin, Mason Plumlee

Hayes will start at the point for the Pistons and try to get the team going in the right direction. Next to him will be Wright, who will look to thrive with increased playing time. Grant, who signed for big money, will look to take his game to the next level, and the Pistons will need it. Blake Griffin will be crucial if the Detriot wants to get better; he will need to remain healthy. So far this preseason, Griffin looks healthy and is moving well. Rounding out the starting five will be Plumlee; he will provide defense and be a solid screener.

Is Killian Hayes the most Overrated Prospect in the 2020 NBA Draft?

Outlook

Detriot should be a little better this season; they need players to develop and to remain healthy. Last year one of the problems they had was they didn’t have enough shooting. Svi Mykhailiuk and Waye Ellington will need to provide that off the bench. Also off the bench will be Derrick Rose, who will bring instant offense. Sekou Doumbouya is putting up excellent numbers this preseason and could be ready to take a leap himself. The Pistons should be a little better than last year but will not make the playoffs.