The Pistons have chance at making the playoffs this season. Point guard Brandon Jennings, who was brought in to help change the Pistons' fortunes, says that it'll be "embarrassing" if Detroit misses the 2014 NBA Playoffs.
"With everything going on, you know, it's kind of like now we keep slipping out of the playoff race, and you get a little worried," Jennings said. "We've only got, what, 20-something games left? So time is ticking, man. We keep talking about we want to take the next step and turn the corner, but we keep giving up games and losing games, it's going to get real tough.
"If we don't make the playoffs, it'll be very disappointing. It'll be very disappointing and kind of embarrassing, the fact that with myself coming over here, and Josh coming over here, and us making these moves, and we don't get it done -- it's going to be real disappointing.
"We've still got time. But it's not going to be easy. I'll tell you that much, it's not going to be easy. We've definitely got to start making our push. And it's got to be tomorrow if we want to get there, because other teams keep losing and we just keep slipping."
As the Pistons keep finding ways to lose games, they find themselves in a very dangerous position. Miss the playoffs and also lose their top 8 protected draft pick in what is being called a loaded draft. Or they can come on down the stretch, make the playoffs and be cannon fodder for the Miami Heat or Indiana Pacers.
Right now, the Pistons are 23-35 and are sitting three-and-a-half games behind the free-falling Atlanta Hawks for the East's final playoff spot.
On paper, the Pistons were thought of as playoff contenders after adding Jennings and Josh Smith in free agency and rookie Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the draft. Things seemed to be looking up and it looked like the Pistons would end their four-year playoff drought.
Instead, the Pistons have found ways to blow fourth quarter leads and piled up some head-scratching losses which resulted in Maurice Cheeks being fired.
To be honest, I don't think it would do any good for the team to make the playoffs at this point. I wouldn't be convinced that it would unless they went on a massive winning streak.
I hate to say it, but the team might be better off trying to save the draft pick and hope to land in the top 8 of the draft. If that doesn't happen, it could result in a roster shakeup in the offseason.
