Detroit Pistons 2013 NBA Preview:
The Detroit Pistons have gone into full rebuilding mode in the wake of their 25-41 record during the 2011-12 season, and have begun shedding some of the bloated veteran contracts that have hamstrung the team in recent years. In the first year under new head coach Lawrence Frank, the Pistons saw the retirement of longtime forward Ben Wallace, as well as a major trade that sent shooting guard Ben Gordon to the Charlotte Bobcats. With a strong 2012 draft class and a series of role player signings, the Pistons hope that the coming season will be another step forward in the team's development to get back into contention in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
In return for Ben Gordon, the Pistons received forward Corey Maggette, a longtime veteran who should provide stability on the Pistons' bench. The Pistons built their roster in the offseason largely through the draft and took a huge chance with center Andre Drummond from the University of Connecticut with the ninth selection. While Drummond is not as polished as other prospects in his draft range, he could become a major cog in the Pistons' rebuilding plan. The team also picked up forwards Khris Middleton and Kyle Singler, which should add more talent to an already cluttered position. Finally, the team may have drafted a steal in guard Kim English, who will become the immediate backup to Rodney Stuckey at the shooting guard position.
Looking ahead to the 2012-13 season, the Pistons lineup looks to be rather strong, with Brandon Knight manning the point guard position and coming along nicely in his development. At forward, the Pistons have plenty of options, but will continue to rely on longtime veterans Tayshaun Prince and Jason Maxiell to handle the starting spots. The team has a glut of talent behind them, including Austin Daye, Charlie Villanueva and a handful of talented rookies as well. Finally, the center position seems to be the strongest on the team, with underrated performer Greg Monroe under the net backed up by their top pick, Andre Drummond.
If all the pieces come together at the right time, the Pistons could be a surprise playoff team in the Eastern Conference, but right now their roster looks like it is based more on potential than immediate results. General Manager Joe Dumars has put together a fine plan of eliminating veteran contracts while building through the draft, so only time will tell whether or not the team has made the right decisions for the future of the franchise.
DETROIT PISTONS INFORMATION:
Founded: 1941
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Stadium: The Palace of Auburn Hills
Conference: Eastern Conference
Division: Central Division
Rivals: Boston Celtics
Mascot: Hooper
Dancers: Automation
Notable Players: Isiah Thomas, Bob Lanier, Bill Laimbeer
Detroit Pistons Championship Titles: 3
Detroit Pistons Conference Titles: 5
See Also:
Detroit Pistons Playoff tickets
Detroit Pistons Season Preview History
DETROIT PISTONS INFORMATION:
The Detroit Pistons originally debuted as the Fort Wayne Pistons in 1941. Shortly after relocating to Detroit in 1957, the Pistons quickly became one of the most dominating clubs in the National Basketball Association. The NBA decided to move the Pistons to the Motor City after noting its thriving economy, primarily due to the auto industry. Thanks to the financial resources of the area and its abundance of basketball fans, the Pistons were able to immediately find success in Detroit.
Between the 1960s and 1970s, the Pistons faced a period of instability. A number of talented players joined the team during this period, including Dave Bing and Jimmy Walker. However, poor management at the front office stymied the team's efforts to bring home any championship titles to Detroit. It wasn't until the late 1970s that the Pistons began to show signs of improvement and competitiveness in the league. After finishing poorly at the end of the decade, Detroit was able to receive high draft picks that helped them add depth to their roster.
Among the individuals drafted onto the team was NBA great Isiah Thomas. He was brought onto the roster to play point guard in 1981, and helped bring talent to the Pistons that was previously missing. By the end of his career, Thomas was a two-time NBA champion and was named to the NBA All-Star team 11 times. He played a large role in the success of the Pistons during his run with them from 1981 to 1994.
By the 1988-89 season, the Pistons had what it took to win an NBA championship. The team defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1989 Finals to obtain the title and show that they were a true competitor in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons continued their success into the 1990s, earning postseason berths in 1990, 1991 and 1992. In 1990, the team was able to defend its title by beating the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA Finals. Their streak as NBA champions ended in 1991 when they were eventually defeated by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the Division Finals.
Since the turn of the century, the team has earned consecutive playoff berths each year between 2002 and 2009. In 2004, the Pistons added another championship win to their history, representing another victory to extend the franchise's remarkable legacy.
Detroit Pistons Ticket Information:
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