The National Basketball Association is a month away, and it is once again time to preview every NBA franchise. I will be covering the teams in the Eastern Conference and my colleague, Joel Beatton, will feature teams in the Western Conference. Today we are featuring the Detroit Pistons.
Key Acquisitions
The Pistons made two significant changes in the offseason. One regarding player personnel and the other to coaching. Monty Williams of Fredericksburg, Virginia became the highest paid coach in NBA history, as he came to terms on a six year contract worth $78.5 million. He has previous NBA coaching experience with the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans and Phoenix Suns, where he was the 2022 NBA Coach of the Year. Williams has a NBA head coaching record of 367 wins and 336 losses for a winning percentage of .522.
The Pistons also acquired point guard Monte Morris of Grand Rapids, Michigan in a trade with the Washington Wizards. In return, the Wizards are receiving the second round pick in the 2027 NBA Draft. In 2022-23, Morris averaged 10.3 points per game, 5.3 assists per game, and 3.4 rebounds per game. He had a field goal percentage of .480, free throw percentage of .831, and a three point percentage of .382. Detroit is the third team Morris has played for in the NBA. He was also with the Denver Nuggets before being traded to the Wizards on July 6, 2022.
Fantasy Stars
The Pistons have no players ranked in the top 10 for their respective position in fantasy basketball.
Predicted Finish
Detroit was the worst team in the NBA last season at 17 wins and 65 losses. With a successful coach, and the players gaining more experience, the Pistons could improve closer to the 30 win mark in 2023-24. Still, it is very likely they will remain in the Central Division basement this season.
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