The Detroit Pistons had a good defense last season, but they may be making the leap to elite after a strong start to this one, a trait that could be enough in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
The Pistons were 10th in defensive rating last season, so it’s not like they had far to go, but they are 5th so far in this one, and being a top-five defense is meaningful in the NBA and something JB Bickerstaff is familiar with, having led some of the league’s best defenses in his career.
The OKC Thunder held the top mark on their way to a title last season and are right back in the same place so far in this one as the league’s best defense and an undefeated record.