The Pistons were the textbook definition of a middle-of-the-road team in 2018-19. They won as many as they lost, finishing 41-41, and they finished smack dab in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings. Seven teams finished ahead of the Pistons – the No. 8 seed in the playoffs – and seven finished behind them in the draft lottery.
Teams give up playoff spots grudgingly. The Pistons were one of three Eastern Conference teams to go from the 2018 lottery to the 2019 playoffs. Of the three who fell out, Cleveland’s exit was precipitated by LeBron James’ free-agent departure and Washington’s was tied closely to John Wall missing 50 games. Even Miami, the third 2018 playoff team to regress, was pinched by ’18 All-Star Goran Dragic missing 46 games.
Here’s a look at the seven teams that finished ahead of the Pistons and how off-season changes have altered their outlook for 2019-20.
HEAD OF THE PACK