They’re not supposed to be a good team. They just not need to be one of the worst team in the league because that’s the expectation for this season. So far, they’re playing like the worst team in the league which is not a good thing.
Jaden playing well so far isn’t a surprise because of the spacing that he never got at Purdue. He has great future as a Piston.
Seems like maybe what you want?
You’re not wrong, I just think that the General Manager of the franchise also recognizes it. If we’re lacking shooters in 2024-2025 as the backcourt begins to enter their prime, then I’ll gripe. Just my take.
Thing is there is a flat lottery odd that it’s not worth tanking especially when they already tanked the past two seasons. They need to start winning to build onto the winning culture that they don’t have at the moment. I need to see progress, just not top 4-5 odd bad. Somewhere in the late lottery slot would represent progress to me.
Regardless of “what the expectation was” I think you need to gird yourself for them being awful. Bagley is going to create as many questions as he answers, and I’d be shocked if Burks and Bogdonovic finish the season on the roster.
So far, Ivey and Duren looks good, and Cade is having a hard time getting good looks.
As to the final comment, I’m not sure what the purpose of aiming for late lottery is, organizationally.
The purpose is to show progress. They cannot lose forever. They have the young core and the rebuild clock already has started with Cade. I want them to show that they can compete for the play-in spot which is my expectations.
I mean going 32-50 and 28-54 are both still losing
This team needs shooting the same way it needs literally everything.
How did you come to expect a play-in team?
Besides Hami and the two rookies I wonder who in the world you could possibly be referring to as an athletic, non-shooter. Cade is not highly athletic, Livers and Bey aren’t athletic and non-shooters, Boggy isn’t either of these things, Beef Stew is developing a shot and is far from athletic. Much beloved Hayes is not athletic, nor is he a shooter.
Right you can still be “not good” and win 30 games. The idea of being bad for a couple years and start improving. I want to see what this team can do when Burks/Noel/Bagley are in the rotation that alone should improve your bench. I would rather them win 30 games or so than just win 22. If that’s the case you have to ask if they are truly building something or just a losing culture because going into 23-24 you will have Bey/Stewart going into their 4th year and haven’t won anything, Cunningham his 3rd year not winning anything, Duren/Ivey 2nd year and a high lottery. They need to find legitimate pros that know what it’s like to win and have success. If not then you’re just the Sacramento Kings further east.
My thoughts exactly.
I would throw Duren in there too. Obviously very raw but looks like he can be a defensive anchor, lob threat and gobbler of offensive rebounds.
Duren looks awesome. I don’t know that in today’s NBA any center is really a part of what a team considers its core unless you’re talking about guys like Jokic, Embiid, Gobert. I don’t see that kind of offensive ability in Duren, but I could see him, eventually, becoming a good enough defender to get to that level.
After four games, my preferred rotation (with a goal of developing the young talent and still being somewhat watchable):
G: Cade, Cojo
G: Ivey, Burks
F: Bey, Livers
F: Bojan, Stewart, Livers
C: Duren, Stewart
Hayes strikes me a good athlete actually
Bagley
prepares to duck
I’m extremely skeptical Cade ever becomes the franchise guy we hope he will
ducks
Lol man, do you enjoy watching your teams? Not high on Michigan basketball, MSU football and now our cornerstone Piston!!! (We arent touching the Lions…)
At least he can count on his gambling… wait what’s that? Nevermind.
Who hurt you?
It’s been a rough year hasnt it? 