NBA wagering online handicappers were stunned at the deep drop of the Detroit Pistons last year as this has been a franchise synonymous with playoff berths. SBG global opened with Detroit as a +10000 choice to win the NBA championship and a +6000 longshot for the Eastern Conference title.
Steep Drop
Detroit was the 2004 NBA champion and played in the Eastern Conference Finals six consecutive years from 2003-2008 but is now in a rebuilding mode after finishing 25-57 last year and ranking 21st for offense and 26th for defense. A Pistons team that played such poor defense would once be considered blasphemy but that is now the reality as Detroit tries to dig out.
Free Agents Bombs
Last year free agents Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva both suffered injuries and general manager Joe Dumars, who was instrumental in building the Pistons title team, was ripped for the poor results. Dumars also tried to shore up the shooting and failed to deliver as Detroit ranked 29th in field goal percentage.
Big Ben is Back
Ben Wallace coming back to the Pistons saved last year from being a total catastrophe and he returns this year as the center. Wallace not only gives the young Pistons a veteran presence but also gives the entire team much needed credibility and it also helps that he is a home town player.
McGrady Joins
Tracy McGrady has come on board to help shore up the Pistons weak offense not only with his solid shooting but also with his underrated passing abilities. The question however for McGrady is just how close he can come to his past all star level.
New Owner?
Detroit Red Wings and Tigers owner Mike Illitch is looking to buy the Pistons which could have positive long term NBA bet implications as the current ownership was hit hard by the recession and is motivated to get out at a bargain price for Illitch. Illitch wants to use the Pistons to help get the Red Wings a much needed new arena downtown near the Tigers baseball stadium.
Transition
The Pistons are a team in transition and not a serious NBA wagering online contender for anything else other than being an also-ran. The hybrid of young players and aging veterans does not bode well for consistent success or gambling profits.