Detroit Pistons

The NBA's 'meh' team sit 5-11. Only a game and a half behind Orlando for 8th spot, but they just seem so much further away that that.

The Pistons have a few household names, but that's all.

Kudos to Blake Griffin for reinventing his game as his all world athleticism declined, but no matter how you cut it, he's not a superstar these days. Contract Year Andre Drummond is a beast, but despite the gaudy rebounding numbers and solid defensive stats, the big man has never shown that he can contribute to winning basketball. Derrick Rose's comeback is a great story for all of us with ligaments made of shortbread, but these days he's nothing more than a microwave scorer off the bench.

The rest of the roster is uninspiring.

Luke Kennard is developing into a nice complimentary piece, but that's offset by anything 'Root Canal Reggie' Jackson (tip of the cap to Ben Golliver) barfs up game to game.

Draft failures like Stanley Johnson, Henry Ellenson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope make Kennard the exception that proves how poorly the Pistons have handled their chances to improve organically.

Yes, the Pistons made the playoffs last season, but the East is improving around them whilst they – at best – tread water.

It could be a long wait for another playoff appearance in Motor City.

Atlanta Hawks

For the sake of this article, lets dub the Hawks as Memphis East.

Much like the Grizz, the Hawks have many of the foundation pieces in place, and are just waiting for them to mature and develop.

It all starts with Trae Young.

The diminutive point guard is doing his best to make the Hawks draft night trade to acquire him for Luka Doncic look like a push. Young's ability to hit the deep trey makes the highlight reels, but it's his passing that is so important to his team.

GM Travis Schlenk is building a solid roster around his Jewel.

Springy forward John Collins is the perfect running mate for Young, with his ability to catch and finish, hit the outside shot and attack the close out. His 25 game PED suspension opened the door for former #2 pick Jabari Parker (still somehow only 24 years old), who has made the most of his opportunity.

Atlanta have an ace catch and shoot wing in Kevin Huerter and a potential do-it-all wing in rookie Cam Reddish.

Atlanta's 4-12 record - tied with New York for the foot of the conference – is skewed by Collins' absence and an injury to young that only kept him out of 1 game, but clearly hobbled him for a few upon his return.

The Hawks are close, but this isn't the year the Hawks rejoin the dance.

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