Five games back of the final playoff spot with only 16 games remaining suggests it’s going to be another disappointing non-playoff season for the Detroit Pistons. The salary cap wiggle room to make off-season moves is minimal, and with only the slimmest of chances of capturing a 1-4 draft pick, Detroit is relying on an unhealthy amount of internal player development to contend in 2018-19.
It’s no secret the Pistons’ perceived fortitude comes from Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond, a size and strength tandem that very few teams - if any - can replicate.