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The Detroit Pistons have been underwhelming so far, as the pairing of Griffin and Drummond has met a sub-par response from their support crew. They are currently holding on to the 9th spot in the Eastern Conference with an unimpressive 22-28 (0.440) next to their name.
It's not rocket science that the franchise needs some functional and efficient elements at this pivotal period in time, in order to make a legit playoffs push. The trade deadline is right around the corner with less than a week to go and the rumours surrounding Detroit and their future appear faded-to-bleak at best.
Even with the reigning Coach of the Year at the helm and a recently acquired veteran talent putting up career-high numbers, the Pistons have tempered almost all expectations that were attached to them in the offseason.
It's logical to think that teams like the Nets, Hornets, and Heat will amp it up a notch to cement a spot amongst the upper echelons of the East, making it that much harder for Griffin and co. with each passing game to bag a playoff berth.
Currently 15 games behind the East leaders in Milwaukee, there is not much time left for this team to turn it around.
Let's take a quick sneak peek into what's buzzing in the Pistons' front office and some worth-discussing rumours as well.
#1 All-Star reserve Blake Griffin's frustration not strong enough to make him leave
With the kind of season Blake is having, it really is a shame how his teammates are showing no effort in using it to their utmost advantage. In his debut season with the Pistons, the 10-year veteran is averaging a career-high 26.2 points per game, along with 8.1 rebounds.
He has transformed into much more than "just a dunker" in recent times, as he booked an All-Star ticket for Charlotte with authority. But beneath the surface, what keeps him going is the relentless desire to be better every single day.
However, his teammates have not shared the same zeal across the games we have witnessed so far, allegedly resulting in palpable exasperation lately.
The following video is a perfect example of the aforementioned belief.
Although there is visible frustration of not winning in Griffin's head, he did clear the air about his rumoured departure,
"Myself or my agent or my people haven't said anything. I heard that (rumor) buzzing around a little bit, but you have to consider the source on some of those things," Griffin said. "I am happy here and, of course, I'm frustrated. You should be frustrated — if you're not frustrated, what are you doing playing basketball?
Owner Tom Gores shared Blake's mindset on the Pistons recent lack of showing,
"Blake and I personally have a commitment with each other. He's supported here; I don't think he feels not supported," Gores said. "I'd be frustrated — I'd want to win. He's having the best season of his life but if you're not winning, who cares? He's a leader, so he's pushing everybody."
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#2 Mike Conley amongst other rumoured names who could help strengthen Detroit's backcourt
The Pistons are in desperate need of some maturity at the point guard position.
Ever since the Memphis Grizzlies announced that they are willing to let go of their franchise cornerstones after holding on to them for more than a decade, teams like Pistons have been circling to take a bite.
Possibilities surrounding the inclusion of Mike Conley, Jeremy Lin, Kent Bazemore and more, into Detroit's backcourt have been making the rounds of the social media for a while now. Fans are harping on the prospect of letting go of present guards in exchange for certified veterans available on the block.
It's no secret that the All-Star berth has eluded Conley for quite some time now. And considering how stacked the West is (in terms of talent) and how ineffective the Grizzlies have been lately, there seems to be ample incentive for Conley to play in a larger market.
His playmaking abilities coupled with an appreciable pick-n-roll prowess is bound to help Griffin and Drummond in the long run.
The Athletic’s Omari Sankofa II proposes Conley for Jackson, Langston Galloway, Luke Kennard and a first-round pick.
However, sources close to the Pistons believe his age and contract are expected to lower trade interests.
#3 Stanley Johnson & Reggie Jackson flying high on the shipping list
The Spurs were rumoured to show considerable interest in Pistons shooting guard, Stanley Johnson, but time has revealed that his trade value is considerably low, making it tough for San Antonio to give up assets for a player scheduled to become a free agent this summer.
It's been four years since he was drafted by the Pistons as an eighth pick in the draft, and many believe he will not reach his full-potential in Detroit ever.
On the other hand, Reggie Jackson has proven to be highly incompetent to justify his spot as a point guard for Dwane Casey's Pistons. His focus has been all over the place and his numbers do not qualify for a bonafide contender of any franchise's PG position.
The feasible and attainable point guard in Mike Conley may end up wiping away Griffin's current needs of a proven point guard, and get rid of the negligence that resides on the backcourt as of this moment.
Guess the Lakers players!
