National Basketball Association

S.I. talks with scouts about Detroit Pistons' season and outlook moving forward

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Anonymous scouts give their take on the Detroit Pistons this season and moving forward.

The Detroit Pistons might posses the most versatile roster in the NBA, but is that enough to satisfy their championship aspirations? Likely not this season, but they could be be a contender at some point in the future.

We know how the Pistons feel about their chances this season, but what do those in the inner circles of the NBA predict for them this season?

Sports Illustrated writers via their new dedicated vertical to the NBA, The Crossover, got together with anonymous scouts from opposing teams to assess all 30 NBA teams.

Here’s what they had to say about the Pistons:

“What’d they win last year? 44? I see this team getting to 47 or 48 wins, and being the fourth seed in the East. I think they’re the best team outside of Cleveland, Boston, and Toronto. … I’m not sure this team has the ability to go much further than 48 wins, maybe in a few years they push 50. It feels like they’re sort of tapped out at 47, 48 wins. But I do think they’re the fourth best team in the East and they’ll have a chance to win a round in the playoffs.”

The anonymous sources went on to say that they think Drummond and Jackson may have peaked and that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope–should he take a step forward offensively–might be a big X-factor for the team.

They also really like the Pistons versatility and a potential for a Marcus Morris, Stanley Johnson, Tobias Harris front court which would be tough to say the least.

All in all I think this assessment of the Pistons is spot on, though maybe a bit generous considering the amount of time Jackson is expected to be out. It makes me wonder if these comments were made prior to the news about Jackson’s knee injury.

The only part of the article that raised an eyebrow for me would be about Drummond flat lining.

At just 23-years-old, Drummond still has so much room to grow and he’s gotten better on both sides of the ball each year.

What say you Pistons’ fans? Sound off in the comment section.