Here is a list of 3 reasons the Detroit Pistons will make the Playoffs in 2014.

1. The Roster Overhaul: The addition of Josh Smith and Brendan Jennings will undoubtedly help this franchise get over the “hump”. These guys are all-stars and would make a fair contribution to any line-up, but the Pistons needed it most!

2. Maurice Cheeks: Their head coach was an excellent pro point guard back in the day. He will coach the Pistons to the playoffs because the roster overhaul. A lot of the old players on the Pistons really didn’t have time to fall in love with their old coach Lawrence Frank, so Maurice Cheeks should be able to take the reins and steer them to the playoffs.

3. The Fans: Its all about the fans. The Pistons finished third in average attendance last year, with 14,782 average fans per game. That’s pretty bad. But, with this roster overhaul this year, I think the Pistons fans should be rejuvenated and ready to come out and show their support. Kind of like in the 2004 season when we ranked #1 in attendance.

That is all…

 

The 2013 NBA Draft was conducted on Thursday, June 27. A lot of sports reporters had Nerlens Noel going number 1 overall, but the shocking Anthony Bennett pick fueled what was to be an interesting draft. Below I will grade the Pistons number 8th, 37th, and 56th pick:

Pick #8 Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG); Georgia: (A-)

Physical: 6’5”; 205 lbs; 20 years old

Season/Career: Played 2 seasons for the Georgia Bulldogs. In his sophomore year he averaged: 18.5 points per game, 7.1 rebounds per game, and 33.9 minutes per game. He had a total of 7 double-doubles. The most points he scored in a game was 32 points (vs LSU). A whooping 75 percent of his shots were jump shots on the perimeter.

Accolades: All-SEC first team (2013), SEC Player of the year (2013), AP honorable mention All-American (2013).

Pick #37 Tony Mitchell (PF); North Texas:  (B-)

Physical: 6’8”; 235 lbs; 21 years old; 7’3” wingspan

Season/Career: Sat out his freshman season at North Texas due to academic failure. Most of his game averages dropped from his red-shirt freshman season, despite seeing an increase in playing time. (2012): 14.7 points per game, 10.3 rebounds per game, and 29.4 minutes played per game. (2013): 13.0 points per game, 8.5 rebounds per game, and 32.4 minutes played per game.

Accolades: Second team All-Conference (2013), First team All-Conference (2012), and Sun Belt Conference freshman of the year (2012).

Pick #56 Peyton Siva, (PG); Louisville: (B+)

Physical: 6’1”; 181 lbs, 22 years old

Season/Career: Played a total of 4 seasons with the Lousiville Cardinals. His senior year he averaged 10.0 points per game, 2.4 rebounds per game, 5.7 assists, in 31.2 minutes per game played. Lead the charge for the nations most effective turnover rich defense (he had 2.8 steals per 40 minutes played).

Accolades: Third team All-Big East (2013), Second team Academic All-American (2013), Two time Big East tournament MVP (2012, 2013), and NCAA Champion (2013).

Overall: (B+)

 

Shane T. Lanzon

Earlier this month the Pistons search for a head coach ended with the hiring of former point guard, Maurice Cheeks. The hype around this search began when Pistons owner Tom Gores said that he would have Phil Jackson “advise” him in the search for a new head coach. Advise? That was the first red flag. Just this past year Phil Jackson was trying to make a comeback with the Los Angeles Lakers, now he’s trying to advise the Pistons. I translate this as “I would never want to coach in Detroit, but I’ll help you find someone who might”. That is a huge slap in the face to an organization who needs stability. So who is Maurice Cheeks?

Maurice Cheeks: As a player, Maurice played for the 76ers, Spurs, Knicks, Hawks, and the Nets. He won his sole NBA Championship with the 76ers in 1983 and was a 4 time NBA All-star (1983, 1986-1988), as well as a 4 time NBA All-Defensive First Team (1983-1986). His number 10 is retired by the 76ers. For full stats visit this page.

    As a coach, Maurice started as an assistant with the 76ers from 1994-2001. He got his first coaching gig with the Trail Blazers in 2001 and held the job for 4 years. After getting sacked their, he coached the 76ers from 2005-2008. 50 wins was the most his teams ever one in a single season as a coach.

Maurice Cheeks has his job cut out for him, as expectations are high and urgency is a must. We all have to play the waiting game together, as the NBA season doesn’t start until October.

 

Shane T. Lanzon