On Wednesday, the Detroit Pistons managed to eke out a win over a Washington Wizards team that was without Nene after a buzzer beating shot by Trevor Ariza fell short, although it took a while for some people to realize that. That game was their 60th contest of the season. Detroit is now, more or less, three quarters of the way through this season. So, with that in mind, here's a look at how Detroit's season has gone thus far.
A lot has changed since the Pistons played their 40th game. Jose Calderon has given them an actual point guard. Tayshaun Prince and Austin Daye have moved on to Memphis. Andre Drummond got hurt, and there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth. The existence of Corey Maggette proved to be purely theoretical. After going 5-5 in their last 10 games, the Pistons are currently 23-37. Not good, but not terrible.
They currently sit 11th in the Eastern Conference, and 22nd in the league overall. Their playoff hopes are over, but they could easily finish ninth in the East. This wouldn't help them at all, of course. In fact, it would mean a worse draft pick more that likely, which would be a bummer. Drummond's don't fall in your lap every year. They have a minus-2.4 point differential. That's better than two teams with a better record, but it's worse than one team with a worse record. They are 19-20 in conference. Good thing they don't play out West.
Now, for the team stats. Detroit is 21st in pace. They are 20th in true shooting percentage (which accounts for free throws and three-pointers). They are 20th in offensive efficiency and 20th in defensive efficiency. Well, at least they are consistent.
So, when you look at all the stats, their record their statistics their point differential, it would seem that the Pistons are probably about the 20th best team in the league. Hey, if you wanted to break the NBA into three tiers, they could be at the top of the third tier! Or the bottom of the second tier! Tiers!
Of course, much of this was done with a different roster than what the Pistons have now. More importantly, this isn't the team they will have next season. They are mediocre this year, but another offseason where they have a chance to improve will be upon us before we know it.
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