The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Pre-Season NBA Power Rankings

By Bret Stuter

July 5, 2016; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers draft pick Brandon Ingram looks at the championship trophies before being introduced to media at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
July 5, 2016; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers draft pick Brandon Ingram looks at the championship trophies before being introduced to media at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) stares at referee Courtney Kirkland (61) during the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) stares at referee Courtney Kirkland (61) during the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Pistons

(42-40). Previous: . Detroit Pistons. 12. team. 64. <p>The Detroit Pistons impressed me this off-season. Not for the name recognition of who they signed in the off-season, but in the way they built solid depth for the team painlessly.</p><div class=

I see the signing of point guard Ish Smith as more than just a reserve role. Reggie Jackson could use some relief, and Smith’s performance as starting PG for the 76ers should give the Pistons confidence to work Jackson to stay fresh for post season.

Detroit is another team lacking ball movement, as their assists came in at 27th out of 30 teams.  If the team could work both Jackson and Smith into the same lineup, that should bolster the ball movement and help dig the Pistons out of the wine cellar.

I like what the Pistons have done in the off-season, and I think Ish Smith will perform very well in Detroit.  But the changes have been only window dressing  at this point in time.

Key Losses: Steve Blake, Anthony Tolliver
Key Gains:  Ish Smith, Boban Marjanovic
Key Statistic: Shooting accuracy
NBA Power Rankings: 12th

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12

Detroit Pistons (42-40)

Last rank: 13th

The Detroit Pistons impressed me this off-season. Not for the name recognition of who they signed in the off-season, but in the way they built solid depth for the team painlessly.

I see the signing of point guard Ish Smith as more than just a reserve role. Reggie Jackson could use some relief, and Smith’s performance as starting PG for the 76ers should give the Pistons confidence to work Jackson to stay fresh for post season.

Detroit is another team lacking ball movement, as their assists came in at 27th out of 30 teams.  If the team could work both Jackson and Smith into the same lineup, that should bolster the ball movement and help dig the Pistons out of the wine cellar.

I like what the Pistons have done in the off-season, and I think Ish Smith will perform very well in Detroit.  But the changes have been only window dressing  at this point in time.

Key Losses: Steve Blake, Anthony Tolliver
Key Gains:  Ish Smith, Boban Marjanovic
Key Statistic: Shooting accuracy
NBA Power Rankings: 12th

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