It’s Miserable Being A Detroit Sports Fan. Do Pistons Or Red Wings Bring More Hope?

If you feel like you’ve been hearing this on repeat lately, then we won’t be surprised. Unfortunately, recent months have brought nothing but despair for Detroit sports fans.

The difficulties in reclaiming past championship glory persist for fans of the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings.

When will the “rebuild” for both franchises finally come to an end? Can we expect any signs of improvement after yet another disappointing winter season?

Detroit Pistons struggle, now are contending for top pick

Pistons fans were aware that this season would not be one they would remember in terms of total wins.

When Troy Weaver was hired as the new general manager in Detroit, the process of rebuilding began.

During the 2020 NBA Draft, Weaver was highly efficient, displaying clever strategies and a significant amount of productivity.

As a consequence, Detroit’s 19-47 record so far has placed them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

After suffering a 102-99 defeat against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night, Detroit’s losing streak has extended to four games. In the entire NBA, only the Houston Rockets (16-49) hold a poorer record.

Detroit is now in an advantageous position for a high-ranking spot in the 2021 NBA Draft, which will greatly expedite their rebuilding process. Throughout their franchise history, the Pistons have never emerged as the winners of the NBA Draft Lottery.

With six games left on their schedule, Detroit’s upcoming match against the Minnesota Timberwolves next Tuesday is arguably the most important. The Timberwolves are currently trailing Detroit by only 1.5 games in the standings for the worst record.

If you’re feeling like placing a bet, there’s a DraftKings special booster for Saturday’s game at Philadelphia that presents an easily attainable profit.

Detroit Red Wings make little progress

The Red Wings continue to struggle and make little progress in yet another abbreviated NHL season.

After playing 54 games, Detroit’s current record is 18-27-9, resulting in their elimination from playoff contention.

Detroit is currently tied for sixth place with 45 points, which is one of the lowest in the league. They have two remaining games at Columbus on Friday and Saturday to potentially increase their point total.

Despite not being a particularly favorable year, Detroit has shown improvement compared to the previous season. In the 2019-20 season, Detroit had a disappointing record of 17-49-5, accumulating only 39 points over 71 games.

In his second season as general manager, Steve Yzerman has taken the initiative to make strategic moves that pave the way for a promising future.

One of the most significant transactions of the season involved Yzerman’s trade of Anthony Mantha to the Washington Capitals. In exchange, Yzerman acquired a 2021 first-round draft pick, a 2024 second-round pick, and two players.

With the aim of rebuilding the team through the developmental process, Yzerman has prioritized acquiring draft picks for the upcoming years.

Are Pistons ready to contend quicker?

The Pistons and Red Wings seem to have the potential to alleviate the suffering of Detroit sports fans at a faster pace, especially the basketball team.

All three of the team’s first-round draft picks from 2020 have demonstrated potential.

Despite facing an injury for an extended period of time, Killian Hayes has managed to regain his confidence and perform well in the latter part of the season. Over the course of his last 10 games, Hayes has consistently achieved a minimum of five assists, with five of those games boasting seven or more assists.

Saddiq Bey, a forward, has emerged as a strong contender for rookie of the year honors this season, boasting an average of 11.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Bey’s ability to score from beyond the arc has made him a significant threat, while his contributions on the glass have also been noteworthy.

Isaiah Stewart, the center, had a slow start, but his performance has improved significantly as he received more playing time in the latter half of the season. His ability to block shots has been a major asset, evident from his six games with multiple blocks out of the last seven he played.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Jerami Grant, a seasoned forward, has demonstrated his ability to become a reliable option for a team. With an average of 22.5 points per game this season, Grant sits at second place in the odds for the most improved player at +1000.

By acquiring these crucial components, Detroit will also be able to incorporate an impactful player from the 2021 draft. Despite the Pistons’ current struggles, it’s worth noting that the last two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference are occupied by teams with subpar records. Therefore, Detroit could potentially emerge as a surprise contender in the upcoming winter playoff race.

However, the Red Wings struggle to produce talent rapidly. In hockey, the majority of draft picks require extensive development before making it to the professional level. Yzerman is taking a patient approach, focusing on long-term growth rather than a quick rebuild.