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NBA 2016-17 forecast: Central Division

By Brian Boake

May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gets ready to talk to the media at the end of game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 113-87. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) gets ready to talk to the media at the end of game six of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Cleveland Cavaliers won 113-87. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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DETROIT PISTONS

Last season: 44 – 38

This season: 44 – 38

The city of Detroit needs all the good news it can muster, and the return of their NBA team to the playoffs following six years away was a huge relief. Sadly, they were fated to get steamrolled by the Cavaliers, which means the Pistons haven’t won a playoff game since 2007-08.

Undaunted, they are back with essentially the same crowd, and it’s a capable one. While losing point guard Reggie Jackson is painful, they can probably survive with a committee. Up front, Andre Drummond will put up huge rebounding numbers, and cost his team five games or so with his dismal free-throw shooting. Sophomore forward Stanley Johnson impressed last year, and will do so again. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is the Pistons’ version of Terrence Ross. Will he break out in his fourth season?

Oct 19, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) attempts a shot against Toronto Raptors center Lucas Nogueira (92) and guard Norman Powell (24) during the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Raptors won 103-92. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) attempts a shot against Toronto Raptors center Lucas Nogueira (92) and guard Norman Powell (24) during the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Raptors won 103-92. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Tobias Harris is their “X-factor”. He’s a big-time talent who will be counted on as a primary scorer.

I like their depth and their size (their backup centres, Aron Baynes and Boban Marjanovic, could start for a lot of teams). When Jackson gets back, watch out.

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