Fansided

NBA: 5 Possible Surprise Teams in 2014-15

By Bryce Olin

Oct 14, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) dunks the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) dunks the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 18, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy coaches against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy coaches against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Detroit Pistons

The best thing the Pistons have going for them is that they’re not in the Western Conference. If they were, this team would have no chance. I mean, it’s still a long shot they make the playoffs in the lowly East, but there is a chance.

New Head Coach/GM Stan Van Gundy will have to find a way to make this team play together, but there’s talent on the Pistons. Andre Drummond has the ability to be the centerpiece of this offense. Like a young Dwight Howard, Drummond can learn from Van Gundy and trust Van Gundy will put him in the best position to succeed on the court, which is going to be right next to the rim catching lobs from Brandon Jennings.

Other than the individual talent the Pistons have, the reason I think they have a chance to make the playoffs is because of Van Gundy… and that’s about it. The Pistons were terrible last season. Josh Smith and Greg Monroe do not go well together. Smith shooting deep jumpers is about as bad of offense as there is in the league. That stops this season.

I’m eyeing the Pistons for a major trade this season. With Jennings, Drummond, Monroe, and Smith, there is obviously an odd man out situation at play. If the Pistons can add a decent piece in a trade, like a shooting guard or good wing player, the Pistons could easily sneak into the playoffs.

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