Raptors’ biggest rivals live here? Power Ranking the Central Division
By Brian Boake
Apr 4, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) walks onto the court with guard Reggie Jackson (1) and forward Anthony Tolliver (43) in front of him during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons beat the Heat 99-98. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
DETROIT PISTONS
Say Hello to: Stanley Johnson, Ersan Ilyasova, Marcus Morris, Aron Baynes
Farewell: Greg Monroe
’14-’15 record: 32-50
The fortunes of the Pistons mirror their city – down, and down some more (no playoffs since 2009). This team tried the Twin Towers approach, using Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond. Those two were always going to be next season’s story, except it never happened for them, and now never will.
The roster looks like scraps from someone else’s table, and offers little hope. Danny Granger’s career has been derailed by injuries. Tayshaun Prince isn’t much more than an elder statesman now. Brandon Jennings has never delivered on his early promise.
I’m having trouble envisioning how they are going to play. Maybe a full season of Reggie Jackson will provide some spark, but I don’t think they are leaving the basement.
Next: Picking up the Pace