Mavs-Pistons preview: Looking to turn things around in Hardaway’s return

The last time the Mavericks and Detroit Pistons matched up, it was Jan. 31 and the only memorable thing was in the postgame locker room when Markieff Morris sat alone in the corner stall.

Nobody knew it at the time, but there was a reason why some players and coaches, in particular assistant Darrell Armstrong, came by to chat with Morris.

The next day, news broke that Morris was part of the monster trade that also sent Luka Doncic and Maxi Kleber to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Since then, the Mavericks have gone 7-15 and the Pistons have gone 16-7.

For the Mavericks, injuries have derailed their season.

For the Pistons, they remain a shining example of how to rebuild the old-fashioned way. Also…