if Cade had played this year and had a Year 2 Luka season, they would’ve won like 30-35 games.
I would argue they’re more of a 25 win team but they tanked in the last two months with all of the injuries.
I think the Pistons will surprise a lot of people next year with progress from the young core. Jaden developed into a legitimate lead guard and that’s bc Cade was out. Now they have two lead creators, they can surprise people with strong play. I don’t think it’s unrealistic that they would get close to 35 wins.
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If the Pistons win 35 it should be considered a rousing success.
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They need to start winning. It’s been way too long
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I just don’t think they’re in the running for the three worst teams in the league next year. 35 is my expectations and I don’t think it’s unrealistic
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Who do you think is worse next year?
OK, just saying 35 is not competing for a play-in generally, so it sounded like your expectation was higher.
To be fair, really hard to have this conversation right now.
I could see a world where Charlotte, Washington, and New Jersey (if they sell) are worse
I tihnk Indy will be better, Orlando will be better, and I don’t see any of the 10 teams in the playoffs or play in falling below
I mostly agree, but I see potential Brooklyn and Philly take a step back. Philly is a mess and who knows what the team looks like next year. Brooklyn has some good players, but they don’t have any stars so it’s not clear how they will look for a full season.
Neither team is gonna fall out of the playoffs though barring a fire sale
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Taylor Hendricks can play the 3 also
The Raptors have been rumored to be rebuilding. We’ll see if they actually strip things down.
If any of those teams tear down sure, which is why said it’s hard to have this conversation before free agency starts
I have at least 12 teams over the Pistons now, but the period of time where things change a lot hasn’t happened yet so 
My rankings for the possible picks at 5 assuming it goes Victor, Scoot, Brandon, Amen in the top 4 in some order.
- Cam Whitmore
- Jarace Walker
- Taylor Hendricks
- Ausar Thompson
I’d slot Amen in at #2 if he doesn’t get picked in the top 4 but I still prefer Whitmore over him.
Ivey, Amen, and Duren would be crazy athleticism out there together. If I had any belief Amen could shoot I’d be hoping he fell to 5.
I’m on the Whitmore bandwagon because of his age and every negative I’ve seen of him (poor awareness, not good at passing reads, poor shot selection, poor shooting) can be chalked down to him being 18 and having a hand injury for the second half of the year.
In all reality, an all star from this class is about as likely to come from 10-30 as 3-10 imo. This is make or break for Weaver, it’s time for him to really earn his money.
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I might be biased because I want Whitmore but I truly believe it makes a ton of sense and a lot of smart draft guys agree. Vecenie has him mocked 5th to Detroit, Hollinger has him as his 3rd overall prospect. I’d be worried about him going earlier but I think Amen makes way too much sense for Houston because they need a facilitator. I think Whitmore 5th at +440 is pretty good value.
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I think there’s a decent chance Whitmore ends up the 2nd best player in the draft. He has a pretty big upside and I think could end up an All Star if he hits. His age is a big plus too as he’ll still be 18 on draft night. Brandon Miller is almost two years older than him. I’m definitely all in on Whitmore and think he’d be a great fit.
My expectation for next year is that they win 30 to 35 games and basically are what Orlando was this year. Most likely, they will be picking 6th or 7th in the 2024 draft and going into the lottery dreaming again of moving up, although I don’t think next year’s class is projected to be all that great. I think the 2024-2025 season is when you are hoping they make the play-in.
Whitmore and Hendricks seem like a great value especially Hendricks who fits the roster to a T.
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The thing is I don’t think he can fix his shot. I could be very wrong about him but…