Detroit Pistons' 2020-21 NBA predictions: What's the best-case scenario?
Play ball!
The NBA season is here — that was quick — which means it's time for our Detroit Pistons predictions for 2020-21.
The Pistons visit Minnesota in the season opener Wednesday — see their entire first-half schedule here — which kicks off a 72-game sprint. The Pistons are scheduled to play nine sets of back-to-back games in the first half, which runs through March 4.
One look at the roster and you'd think you're seeing double: In, among others, are Jerami Grant, Mason Plumlee, Jahlil Okafor, Josh Jackson, Killian Hayes, Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart. Gone are Luke Kennard, Bruce Brown and Christian Wood.
So, how will the revamped roster fare in Year 3 under coach Dwane Casey, and Year 1 under general manager Troy Weaver's watch?
[ What I liked and didn't like about the Pistons' wild offseason moves ]
Free Press sports writers make predictions for the 2020-21 season:
Omari Sankofa II, Pistons beat writer
Biggest storyline you’re interested in: Killian Hayes' rookie season. For now, the franchise is staking its future on his development. He'll have an opportunity to be in the rookie-of-the-year race, assuming he finds his footing as a starter.
Best-case scenario: If Blake Griffin isn't moved at the deadline and is healthy, I can see the Pistons being in the mix for a play-in game.
Worst-case scenario: Bottom-three in the East. The roster is awkwardly built and lacks shooting, the first half of the schedule is brutal and their two best players, Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose, could be moved at the trade deadline.
Leading scorer: Griffin, 21 points per game.
Will Blake Griffin be traded before the deadline: Yes.
Will they make play-in tournament/playoffs: No. They'll need Griffin healthy for the entire season to make noise. And if Griffin is healthy, it'll incentivize them to move him. They'll finish 21-51.
East playoff teams, 1-8: Bucks, Celtics, Nets, 76ers, Raptors, Heat, Hawks, Pacers.
West playoff teams, 1-8: Lakers, Clippers, Mavericks, Nuggets, Jazz, Blazers, Warriors, Suns.
Conference finals: Bucks over Celtics in 7; Lakers over Blazers in 5.
NBA Finals: Lakers over Bucks in 7.
[ Here is the Detroit Pistons' 2020-21 season first-half schedule ]
Jeff Seidel, columnist
Biggest storyline you’re interested in: Are these rookies legit cornerstones of a rebuild or just players?
Best-case scenario: Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose stay healthy long enough for the Pistons to trade them.
Worst-case scenario: Griffin and Rose get injured. Killian Hayes struggles, as many rookie point guards do. Mason Plumlee plays like a backup. And the Pistons' offense is abysmal.
Leading scorer: Griffin, 21 points per game.
Will Blake Griffin be traded before the deadline: Yes.
Will they make play-in tournament/playoffs: No playoffs. They'll go 25-47.
East playoff teams, 1-8: Bucks, Celtics, 76ers, Heat, Nets, Raptors, Pacers, Hawks.
West playoff teams, 1-8: Lakers, Clippers, Mavericks, Jazz, Nuggets, Suns, Rockets, Warriors.
Conference finals: Bucks over Celtics in 5; Lakers over Clippers in 6.
NBA Finals: Lakers over Bucks in 6.
Shawn Windsor, columnist
Biggest storyline you’re interested in: May I have two? Yes? Thank you. The first is the development of the youngsters, particularly Killian Hayes. The second is whether Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose finish the year as Pistons.
Best-case scenario: No. 7 seed, propelled by a physical, defensive-minded outfit and that Griffin leads a competent offense.
Worst-case scenario: Injuries to Griffin and Rose and the newcomers prove to be an ill-fitting mess.
Leading scorer: Griffin, 22 points per game.
Will Blake Griffin be traded before the deadline: No.
Will they make play-in tournament/playoffs: No. They'll finish 24-48.
East playoff teams, 1-8: Bucks, Nets, Celtics, Heat, 76ers, Raptors, Pacers, Hawks.
West playoff teams, 1-8: Lakers, Clippers, Mavericks, Nuggets, Jazz, Suns, Blazers, Grizzlies.
Conference finals: Nets over Bucks in 7; Lakers over Clippers in 7.
NBA Finals: Lakers over Nets in 6.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons' 2021 NBA predictions: What's the best-case scenario?