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Toronto Raptors: Is the Central Division a threat to win the conference?

ByBrian Boake|
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball while being guarded by Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at the Bradley Center on March 2, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball while being guarded by Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at the Bradley Center on March 2, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
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Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors – Pascal Siakam and Detroit Pistons – Blake Griffin (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)

DETROIT PISTONS

Last season actual: 39 – 43

This season forecast: 37 – 45

Raptors vs. Pistons: In Toronto Nov. 14 – In Detroit March 3 & 17

Welcome: Khyri Thomas, Bruce Brown, Jose Calderon, Glenn Robinson III & Zaza Pachulia

Farewell: Anthony Tolliver

I had the Pistons down for 30 wins, but they proved me wrong, and almost nabbed the final playoff berth. They would have been steamrolled by the Cavaliers, but gained valuable experience. Now they have only the extreme frustration of being pipped at the post, as they say at the track.

Blake Griffin starts the season in the Motor City, and Andre Drummond returns for another round. On paper they represent an excellent frontcourt, but this isn’t 1999. Coach Dwane Casey must figure out how best to use those two in the pace and space era. Point guard Reggie Jackson is back in full health. He’s yet to convince a lot of people, including me, that he’s anything more than a top rotation player.

The Pistons need one or both of their kids, Henry Ellenson and Luke Kennard, to make an impact.

I’m not sold on their team defense (pace, coach Dwane) and their depth is highly questionable. Does anyone in the backcourt strike fear in opponents? This roster hasn’t improved enough to compete for a playoff berth, and even 37 wins might be aggressive.

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