Early NBA Power Rankings For 2013-14

April 15, 2013; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Fans hold a sign for Detroit Pistons power forward Jonas Jerebko (not pictured) during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at The Palace. Detroit won 109-101. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

#19. Detroit Pistons

2012-2013: 29-53

Head Coach: Maurice Cheeks

Signed: Chauncey Billups, Will Bynum, Luigi Datome, Andre Drummond, Jonas Jerebko, Brandon Knight, Viacheslav Kravtsov, Khris Middleton, Greg Monroe, Kyle Singler, Josh Smith, Rodney Stuckey, Charlie Villanueva

Rationale: This team’s strength is its bigs. Josh Smith, Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond could be the best frontcourt in the NBA–if they can all play together. Smith and Monroe play the same natural position, and neither can shoot. Considering the Pistons just committed upwards of $50 million to Josh Smith, Monroe will probably end up on the trading block. The guard play is also spotty. Does Chauncey Billups have any tangibles? Peyton Siva is probably the best distributor on the team, but can the Pistons offense generate any space with him on the court? Expect Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to have every opportunity as shooting will be at a premium. Brandon Knight has been yanked between positions and isn’t very good at either point guard or shooting guard. If everything breaks right, the Pistons are a low seed. If everything goes as expected, Detroit will end up in the late lottery.