It has been a rough week for Detroit sports over the last week. The Pistons and the Red Wings both had their seasons come to an end in the first round of their respective playoffs. The Tigers were swept at home by their division rival, the Cleveland Indians. But on the horizon later this week, the Detroit Lions are getting ready for the 2016 NFL Draft.
Michigan Radio sports commentator John U. Bacon joined Stateside to break down the week in sports and look ahead to the draft.
The Red Wings were knocked out of the playoffs in five games by the Tampa Bay Lighting after a 1-0 loss last Thursday. However, according to Bacon, the Pistons are the ones who seem the most promising going forward, despite getting swept in four games by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Bacon says the Pistons made the playoffs for the first time since 2009 and played LeBron James and the defending Eastern Conference champions tough in all four games, including a narrow 100-98 loss at home on Sunday. The players on the floor are promising, but it’s their head coach that could help take this young team to the next level.
“They’re building on something,” said Bacon. “I think Stan Van Gundy is one of the best coaches in the NBA and the Pistons have got him. And I think the future is very bright. They’re missing a piece or two. They’re not there yet.”
Bacon says if Andre Drummond can improve his free throw shooting (he shot 35% for the regular season, which according to Sporting News is the worst in NBA history) and not have to be taken out of the game at key stretches of close games, they would be in even better shape.
Listen to the full interview on Stateside at 3 p.m. to hear Bacon’s take on what the Wings’ biggest problems are and the pros and cons of letting the team’s playoff streak end so they can rebuild through the NHL Draft.
GUEST John U. Bacon is Michigan Radio's sports commentator
