NBA Championship Contenders: The Top 6 Teams for the 2023-24 Season

The 2023-24 NBA season is set to feature some highly talented teams vying for the championship. Let’s take a closer look at the squads with the best chances of contending for the title.

The Detroit Pistons are heading into what could be their most important season in years. Year 4 of Troy Weaver’s rebuilding project, known as the “restoration,” is about to commence, and the franchise is eager to see signs of progress and success.

With Cade Cunningham back after missing most of the previous season, along with promising young players like Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, the Pistons are looking to take the next step in their development.

Coach Monty Williams has a talented roster at his disposal, featuring a group of skilled veterans that provides him with a multitude of options at every position.

The Pistons will kick off their season on Wednesday with a game against the Miami Heat. Here are six predictions for their 2023-24 NBA campaign:

Jalen Duren will average more than 12 points and 12 rebounds

It is highly likely that Jalen Duren will achieve a double-double average in his second season. As a rookie, he posted 9.1 points and 8.9 rebounds in just 25 minutes per game. With Cunningham’s return and Duren’s personal growth as a player, averaging 12 points and 12 rebounds is a realistic expectation.

This would place Duren in exclusive company, as only two players averaged more than 12 rebounds last season: Anthony Davis and Domantas Sabonis. If we lower the threshold to 11 rebounds, the list expands to include players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Nikola Vucevic, Rudy Gobert, Clint Capela, and Steven Adams. Duren has the potential to establish himself as one of the NBA’s top young centers.

The Pistons will trade two veterans before the trade deadline

The Pistons currently have two positional logjams to address. The first is at point guard, where they have five players competing for minutes. The second is at center, with limited room in the rotation for James Wiseman or Marvin Bagley III alongside Duren and Isaiah Stewart.

Additionally, the Pistons have several veterans on expiring contracts, providing them with flexibility at the trade deadline. General Manager Troy Weaver has a history of making midseason trades, and it would be surprising to see the team stay put. The direction they take will likely depend on their record, as they may either aim for a player who can help them make the play-in tournament or prioritize acquiring assets.

Cade Cunningham will play 65+ games

Cade Cunningham’s rookie season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 64 games. In the following season, he played only 12 games before being shut down due to a stress fracture in his left shin.

This year, Cunningham is expected to play 65 or more games, qualifying him for various NBA awards, including the coveted Most Improved Player award. Cunningham and the team have expressed confidence that his injury troubles are behind him after undergoing surgery. Barring any unforeseen issues, there should be no concerns regarding his availability.

Ausar Thompson will lead all rookies in rebounding

Although sample sizes are small, Ausar Thompson has displayed exceptional rebounding skills. He averaged 10 rebounds per game during the summer league and 9.3 rebounds in four preseason games, ranking third in the league. His playing time of 29.1 minutes per game was among the highest in the NBA.

Thompson’s exceptional rebounding abilities make him the favorite to lead all rookies in rebounding this season. While players like Jarace Walker and Taylor Hendricks may challenge him as the season progresses, Thompson’s 6-foot-6 frame and athleticism already set him apart as a rebounder.

The Pistons will win 30+ games

While it may seem like an annual prediction, the Pistons are poised to show meaningful progress this season. Alongside Cunningham’s return, the team has a group of offensively skilled veterans who have played for winning teams. Players like Bogdan Bogdanovic, Alec Burks, Morris, and Joe Harris will provide stability to Coach Williams’ offense as the younger players continue to develop.

Cracking the 30-win mark is an attainable goal for the Pistons. Last season, all but four teams reached this threshold, and the Pistons, despite finishing with the worst record, had their key players sidelined due to injuries. With improved health, a 13-win improvement is within reach.

They will be above-average from 3-point range

The Pistons displayed decent outside shooting last season, ranking 22nd in the league with a 35.1% 3-point shooting percentage. However, this year’s team is expected to be even better.

Veterans like Harris, Bogdanovic, Morris, and Burks are among the league’s best shooters from beyond the arc. Coach Williams has emphasized the importance of floor spacing, and with this talented veteran core, the Pistons have a great chance to crack the top 15 in 3-point shooting percentage.

Make sure to stay updated with the latest Pistons news and analysis. Contact Omari Sankofa II at [email protected] or follow him @omarisankofa. Also, be sure to check out “The Pistons Pulse” podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

For more podcasts and daily voice briefings, visit freep.com/podcasts.

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