As the 2017 NBA season is quickly approaching, Sports Illustrated released a list ranking the 100 best NBA players. Our Detroit Pistons had four players make it onto the list.
Here are the four.
Number 51: Andre Drummond
After a disappointing season, Drummond fell 12 spots from last seasons list. Drummond averaged fewer points and fewer rebounds this past season than he did the year before. Still full of potential, Drummond has to step it up in order to return to the top 50.
Drummond must prove that his unique strengths can consistently translate to a greater degree of team success or he must evolve into a more complete all-around impact-maker before he can be regarded as one of the NBA’s brightest rising stars again,”
Number 54: Avery Bradley
The newest piston could very well be the best player on the team this season. Bradley brings elite defense and a consistent shot to the Pistons backcourt. If Bradley is any better than last season he will be a lock to climb into the top 50.
Number 78: Reggie Jackson
I really don’t know how Jackson made it onto this list. After a season of injuries and defensive insufficiencies, he would not make my list of 100 best players, let alone number 78. Like Drummond. Jackson has a lot to prove if he wants to climb back into the ranks of elite point guards in the league. If he plays like he did last season, I expect him to be traded away mid season.
Number 81: Tobias Harris
Harris was the Pistons leading scorer last season, putting up 16.1 PPG. I would have put Harris above teammate Jackson. Harris is a more efficient scorer and a better defender than Jackson. Going into this season Harris could see his scoring numbers increase once again.
“Three spots behind Jackson is Tobias Harris, who led the Pistons in scoring last season (16.1 per game). He bounced back and fourth between the starting lineup and sixth man role, but with Marcus Morris and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope gone, there seem to be even more shots available for Harris.”
The Pistons should feel good about landing four of their five starters in the top 100 of NBA players. As they look to open the season and break in the new arena the Pistons will be able to floor a team capable of making the playoffs once again.