Panic Time For The Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons have finally found their groove. Well, losers of 10 straight games and an embarrassing record of 3-16, the Pistons have found their groove. The only problem is, it’s not the right kind. With the second worst record in the Eastern Conference and a rant full of frustration by head coach Stan Van Gundy, you have to wonder, is it time to panic.

Their 3-16 start ties the worst start in franchise history, matching the 1962-63 team, which finished the season 34-46.

About a quarter into the season and the same problems still linger with this team. Poor shooting, uncertainty in the rotations and an overall lack of cohesiveness between the coaches and the players are the main reasons why Detroit Pistons fans can start panicking. Or worse, throwing in the towel.

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Those problems don’t look to be going away anytime soon. Josh Smith continues to start when it’s obvious he should be the one coming off the bench instead of Greg Monroe.

Instead of playing an up tempo style of basketball and take advantage of the young legs they have, they choose to slow it down and play a half-court brand of basketball. Getting out and running the break can cause easier shots for the Pistons would better fit point guard, Brandon Jennings, style of play.

At times the players don’t seem to be very interested in buying what Van Gundy is trying to sell them.

Nothing seems to be working, even when they “play hard” and “fight”, they lose. Constantly coming up short and losing and having the body language of losers will cause panic, followed by abandonment amongst fans.

There are 63 games remaining on the Pistons schedule and for many teams that’s plenty of time to turn the season around and get things going. However, when you’re 28^th in scoring, 30^th in field goal percentage and have played as poorly as Detroit has. Those 63 games can be very long and very excruciating.  Add that to the fact that the Pistons are 26^th in point differential, at -6.6 per game. As a team they’re 28^th in assist per game and 24^th in opponent’s three-point percentage.

Ranking in the bottom third of nearly every statistical category and showing no signs of improvement, this season is looking more and more like a lost cause.

Other than Van Gundy giving out priceless quotables in the press conferences, this team is not much to watch. The talent is certainly there, but, the chemistry is not.

The Detroit Pistons will look to get back in the win column, Saturday when they’ll take on the 76ers at the Palace of Auburn Hills. At least Pistons fans don’t have to worry about giving the 76ers their first win of the season.

If Detroit is unsuccessful in beating the 76ers, Saturday, their fourth win of the season may not come until December 26^th, when they face the Pacers at home.