{"id":88115,"date":"2024-07-31T20:17:29","date_gmt":"2024-08-01T00:17:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=88115"},"modified":"2024-07-31T20:17:29","modified_gmt":"2024-08-01T00:17:29","slug":"way-too-early-2024-25-season-goals-for-the-detroit-pistons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/07\/31\/way-too-early-2024-25-season-goals-for-the-detroit-pistons\/","title":{"rendered":"Way Too Early 2024-25 Season Goals For The Detroit Pistons"},"content":{"rendered":"

At this time of year, every NBA fan feels their team has a chance to make a serious push for the championship. With rosters solidified and summer league performances analyzed, fans are brimming with optimism, crafting wild projections for the upcoming season. As a Pistons fan and Detroit native, I eagerly imagine the Pistons hoisting the championship trophy. But let\u2019s ground ourselves in reality: what are some achievable season goals for the 2024-25 Detroit Pistons<\/a>?<\/p>\n

We have not determined the NBA schedule announcement date, but past releases help us guess. Based on the past, fans can expect to see the team’s schedules in mid-August. Given last season\u2019s performance, it\u2019s unlikely the Pistons will have many if any, nationally televised games. This is unfortunate, as the nation might miss witnessing the resurgence poised to take place in Detroit. So, what realistic goals could put the Pistons back on the map? Could these season goals have the Pistons contending in a loaded Eastern Conference<\/a>? Let\u2019s dive into it.<\/p>\n

Way Too Early 2024-25 Season Goals For The Detroit Pistons<\/h2>\n

Detroit Pistons Season Goal: Top 10 Three-Point Shooting Team<\/h3>\n

The Pistons have significantly improved their shooting talent compared to last season’s roster. Malik Beasley<\/a>, who shot 41% from beyond the arc for the Milwaukee Bucks, ranked among the top 25<\/a> shooters in the league this past season. Although his three-point percentage dropped to 35% this past season, Tobias Harris<\/a> remains a reliable shooter. Tim Hardaway Jr.<\/a> also posted a 35% shooting percentage from deep with the Dallas Mavericks. Adding to this arsenal, Simone Fontecchio<\/a> re-signed with the Pistons after shooting an impressive 42% in sixteen games.<\/p>\n

Another crucial factor in improving the Pistons\u2019 three-point shooting is the hiring of Fred Vinson<\/a>. Vinson played a pivotal role in developing shooters like Herb Jones<\/a>, Lonzo Ball<\/a>, and Jose Alvarado<\/a> with the Pelicans. With a fresh slate in Detroit, he will work with young talents such as Ausar Thompson<\/a>, Ron Holland<\/a>, and Jaden Ivey<\/a> to elevate their shooting percentages. His expertise will also benefit players like Isaiah Stewart<\/a>, Cade Cunningham<\/a>, and Marcus Sasser<\/a>, who were already above-average three-point shooters.<\/p>\n

JB Bickerstaff’s Adapting Offense<\/h4>\n

In Bickerstaff\u2019s last season with the Cavaliers, the team ranked 7th<\/a> in three-point makes (13.5) and 8th<\/a> in attempts (36.8). This was a notable improvement, considering the Cavaliers had previously ranked 20th in makes, 24th in attempts, and 19th in percentage over the prior three seasons. The key to this transformation was the addition of better shooters. Bickerstaff\u2019s offense became more three-point oriented by acquiring players like Max Strus<\/a> and Georges Niang<\/a> and complementing existing shooters such as Sam Merrill<\/a>, Dean Wade<\/a>, and Isaac Okoro<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Detroit Pistons Season Goal: Jalen Duren Making A All-Defensive Team<\/h3>\n

Under Bickerstaff<\/a>, Duren\u2019s defensive prowess is set to be unleashed. Last year, Duren experienced a decline in blocks and steals compared to the 2022-23 season, coupled with an increase in fouls. Watching Jarrett Allen<\/a> and Evan Mobley<\/a> thrive defensively under Bickerstaff hints at Duren’s potential in Detroit.<\/p>\n

Another motivating factor for Duren on the defensive end is the potential threat of being replaced. During the 2024 NBA Draft, there were rumors about the Pistons considering Connecticut big man Donovan Clingan<\/a> with their fifth pick, mainly due to his defensive capabilities. Standing 6\u201910\u201d and weighing 250 pounds, Duren possesses all the physical and athletic tools to be an elite defender. For the Pistons to take the next step toward defensive excellence, Duren\u2019s development<\/a> will be crucial. If team improvement isn’t enough motivation, losing his spot should be.<\/p>\n

This #5 Overall Pick Could Be In Contention For An End Of Season Award<\/h3>\n

Over the past three seasons, the Pistons have become the kings of the 5th overall pick. Despite having the best odds at the #1 pick for two consecutive seasons, the Pistons made history <\/a>by being the first team to drop from one to five in two years. With their fifth overall picks, they selected Ivey, Thompson, and Holland. One of these three young talents could be a strong contender for an end-of-season award.<\/p>\n

In his first eight games, Thompson became one of only two players<\/a> to record 30+ assists, 12+ steals, and 15+ blocks. The other player to achieve this feat? Michael Jordan<\/a>. Thompson continued to be effective, but Monty Williams\u2019s usage of the rookie affected his overall play as the season progressed. Unfortunately, Thompson missed the remainder of the 2023-24 season due to a blood clot<\/a>. I can see Thompson earning the starting small-forward spot at some point this season due to his improvement on the offensive end coupled with his elite defensive work.<\/p>\n

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Players to record 30+ assists, 12+ steals, and 15+ blocks over their first eight NBA games:<\/p>\n

Michael Jordan and Ausar Thompson pic.twitter.com\/woPDMqYQE8<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) November 7, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n