Detroit Pistons - Better or Worse

After a long run as one of the Eastern Conference elite the Pistons have fallen quickly the last two years.  They made a couple of big signings before last season, Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, but neither really panned out.  With injuries mixed in with a lack of chemistry, Detroit could not get it together in the '09-'10 campaign.  They made a few moves in an effort to help fortify the team in the offseason.  Will it be enough to force a return to playoff contention?

(Note: The rankings you see referenced below are fully explained in my initial NBA point guard rankings post)

Photo source: farlane

Point Guard
2009 - Rodney Stuckey (#29 PG, Level 6), Will Bynum (#52 PG, Level 10)
2010 - Rodney Stuckey (#29 PG, Level 6), Will Bynum (#52 PG, Level 10)

There will be no change in the depth chart at point guard next season.  Stuckey took a big step last year toward becoming the player the Pistons hoped he would be when they drafted him three years ago.  But he is more of a shoot first type of player.  Bynum is a solid backup who brings excellent energy off the bench in more of a traditional point guard role.

Shooting Guard
2009 - Richard Hamilton (#40 SG, Level 7), Ben Gordon (#47 SG, Level 8)
2010 - Richard Hamilton (#40 SG, Level 7), Ben Gordon (#47 SG, Level 8)

The Pistons did not get the level of production from the shooting guard position that they had hoped for last season.  It's not so much the offensive side of the ball where they struggled, although both Hamilton and Gordon saw their field goal percentages drop drastically, but the defensive side. 

Small Forward
2009 - Tayshaun Prince (#16 SF, Level 5), Austin Daye (#40 SF, Level 9)
2010 - Tayshaun Prince (#16 SF, Level 5), Tracy McGrady (#56 SG, Level 9)

Continuing to be underappreciated, Prince had a productive year while consistently being mentioned in trade rumors.  The Pistons should not cut in to Daye's development playing time for McGrady.

Power Forward
2009 - Jonas Jerebko (#46 PF, Level 7), Charlie Villanueva (#54 PF, Level 8)
2010 - Charlie Villanueva (#54 PF, Level 8), Chris Wilcox (Did not qualify)

Just this week Jerebko was injured and looks to be out five to six months.  That is unfortunate for the Pistons to say the least.  It looks like they will now have to count more on Villanueva than expected.  Wilcox missed most of last year with injuries.

Center
2009 - Ben Wallace (#14 C, Level 4), Jason Maxiell (#56 PF, Level 9)
2010 - Ben Wallace (#14 C, Level 4), Greg Monroe (Rookie)

A return to Detroit led to a revitalization for Wallace last season.  The Pistons will hope for that to continue this year as they work lottery pick Monroe into the rotation.  He will bring an excellent low post passing presence to the offense.

Overall
The Pistons biggest struggle in the '09-'10 season came on the offensive end of the court.  They finished 29th in the NBA in points per game and 30th in three-point field-goal percentage. To be successful this season they'll need their guards to start hitting the outside shot more consistently.  They also need McGrady to give them some pop off the bench and Monroe to come in and generate some offense through the low and high posts.

Last year Detroit finished with a 27-55 record.  With their projected lineup as it is, I expect the Pistons to be even at every position.  I just think that any improvement will be offset by the aging of some of their key pieces.

In the final verdict the Pistons are the SAME.  As they are currently constructed I predict they will again finish with a 27-55 record.