The Detroit Pistons are a long way from competing for an NBA championship in a league where superstars band together to form a select group of super teams.
But they should have been better than 39-43 and ninth place in the Eastern Conference, regardless of injuries. They underachieved in 2017-18 and much of the fault lies with Stan Van Gundy, who as coach and president of basketball operations couldn't get the most out of a team that showed a lot of promise early in the season but folded when faced with adversity.
A roster led by Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson has much room for improvement.