Caputo: Pistons are way better
Did you see the Pistons game Tuesday night?
Best guess, probably not. And if you did, you likely fall under the category of a basketball head because for the longest time only the diehards have really cared.
The Pistons, after all, have been beyond inept. Not only haven't they won a playoff game since 2008, they had just 14 victories last season. Coupled with the Lions emerging as a Super Bowl contender and the Tigers' stunning surge to the playoffs, it made the Pistons even more irrelevant.
Yet, the Pistons just might be worth checking out. Their overtime victory over the Miami Heat was electrifying, exciting and intense.
Nobody is suggesting the Pistons have turned it around like the above-mentioned Detroit teams, but it's obvious they are considerably improved. Actually, the Pistons, 5-7, could easily be above .500 considering they have blown some close games down the stretch.
They almost did it again Tuesday when Cade Cunningham suddenly became a turnover machine late in regulation. But ultimately Malik Beasley hit a huge three-pointer, Cunningham made a pretty lob pass from out of bounds that was slammed down by Jalen Duren, the Heat called a timeout they didn't have and the Pistons won.
Beasley, Tobias Harris and Tim Hardaway Jr. are much better than the veterans the Pistons have acquired in the past. They also fit well with the team's young core.
Jaden Ivey was disappointing playing for Monty Williams. He is thriving under J.B. Bickerstaff. Cunningham has made strides, too, although he must break the turnover habit.
Imagine this: The Pistons actually have a playing rotation. It features nice balance with vets Harris, Beasley, Hardaway Jr. and Simone Fontecchio blended with Cunningham, Duren, Ivey, Isaiah Stewart and amazingly athletic rookie Ron Holland. Detroit spreads the floor much better and plays defense with noticeably improved purpose.
The Eastern Conference isn't exactly powerful. There are only two teams above .500, the undefeated Cavs and the defending NBA champion Celtics. The Pistons don't play a team with a winning record the next eight games.
With 10 teams qualifying in each conference, the Pistons may have a playoff shot. If the season ended right now, they'd be the seventh seed. The Pistons have won five of six games, and were beaten by two in their only loss during that span by Houston.
Ah, it could be getting ahead of ourselves, right? Just because the Pistons aren't that bad doesn't necessarily mean they are that good. True enough. It's a low bar to clear to signal significant improvement.
The Pistons have already done that, though.
It is, at minimum, a good sign. At best, we could have another pleasant surprise team in this town.
