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Detroit Pistons 2015 NBA Season Preview

By Cody Williams

Mar 27, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) looks up before the game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) looks up before the game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) gestures from the court during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) gestures from the court during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Breakdown

There’s no doubt that the bread and butter of the Pistons offense for the 2015-16 NBA season is going to be Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond working in the pick-and-roll. Drummond has proven to be devastating in those offensive situations and Jackson is a ball-handler that can create opportunities with his strength and athleticism for both himself and Drummond in pick-and-roll sets. That could be a devastating look for Detroit in terms of what it does to opponents.

However, this team is also noticeably built in the mold of SVG’s Magic teams with Dwight Howard as he’s put a great deal of perimeter shooters to spread the floor and let Drummond dominate in the posts. That should mean good things for Drummond offensively and should give the Pistons quality outside looks with players who can convert on those opportunities.

Defensive Breakdown

Despite the prowess that Andre Drummond boasts as a shot blocker, rim-protector, and athlete at the center position, the Pistons were not great last season defensively. However, with Greg Monroe now out of Detroit, you have to imagine that will allow Drummond a bit more freedom on the defensive end to play to his strengths.

Meanwhile, I’m not crazy about their perimeter defense as Reggie Jackson has potential on that end of the floor, but has never realized it in his young career. Other young wings don’t inspire much confidence. However, they are under a fantastic coach in Stan Van Gundy who built a quality defense around Dwight Howard in Atlanta. Even if they aren’t great defensively, you have to imagine there will be some improvement this season.

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