When Detroit sports are mentioned, two things come to mind. One, how much metro Detroiters LOVE hockey. It's literally the only place where hockey is the most popular of the four major sports in North America, aside from Canada. The second thing was how much the Lions sucked. I guarantee the franchise will never win anything as long as the Fords are running the team.
However, one team has flown under the radar in the past decade. They've quietly fallen off the radar and haven't been in the public scope. That team has been the Detroit Pistons. Marred by subpar play, questionable moves, and missing the playoffs, the Pistons haven't done anything noteworthy in the Motor City in the last ten years.
But that all changed tonight when general manager Troy Weaver made a bold move. First, he acquired Kemba Walker, who'll provide Detroit a scoring threat and veteran presence. He also got length by acquiring the rights to Jalen Duren, giving the Pistons better rebounding. He also got a protected 2025 1st-round draft pick for Jerami Grant before the draft, which he traded to get Duren.
Most of all, he solidified the backcourt by drafting Jaden Ivey. Suddenly, Detroit has a young core and scoring threats at nearly every position, making them a legitimate threat in the next few years.
The Eastern Conference has been mundane for decades. With the exception of a couple of dynasties (hello, Chicago and Miami), there hasn't been much to cheer for regarding winning basketball. However, Weaver and the Pistons have the right blueprint. Led by Cade Cunningham, keep an eye on DEEETROIT BASKET-BALL in the next few years. We might see a new powerhouse rise in the Eastern Conference.
