The Eastern Conference looks a lot stronger than it did a year ago. So where do the Pistons, who had the best record in the conference last season, currently stack up against their peers?
Assuming they re-sign restricted free agent Jalen Duren, they should remain competitive within the conference, Hunter Patterson of The Athletic writes. Patterson ranks them fourth behind the Knicks, Sixers and Heat.
Patterson believes the team’s growth hinges on the continued development of defensive stalwart Ausar Thompson. If Thompson can score around 15 points per game and initiate offense more consistently without compromising his defensive impact, that would raise Detroit’s ceiling.
Here’s more from the Central Division:
Forward Isaac Jones averaged 14.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals through five games in the Las Vegas Summer League. The Pistons’ two-way player is now aiming for a standard contract, he told Coty Davis of the Detroit News. He was claimed off waivers from Sacramento in November. “This offseason is different because I have to earn my spot again. I don’t want to be on a two-way forever, and I feel like this has lit a fire under me,” he said. “Last summer, I was on a standard deal. I had a fire then, but now it has grown because I know I am an NBA player. I am blessed for my time in Sacramento, but having to leave midseason and come here was a blessing in disguise.”
Mario Hezonja returned to the NBA from Europe by signing a one-year, $2.85MM contract with the Cavaliers. The veteran forward expressed his joy in a social media post on Twitter, stating “Never liked how I left the NBA but these past 5 years have been exactly what I wanted and much needed! I am super happy that my new chapter is with @cavs a team and organization that I have always admired and respected!”
The Pacers are close to the first tax apron and have one roster spot open. Should they use it to second-round pick Braden Smith, who remains unsigned? Tony East of Forbes.com explores that question, noting that the Pacers currently don’t have an open two-way spot for Smith. If they choose to sign Smith to a two-way deal, Ethan Thompson is the most likely candidate to lose his spot.