NBA: Previewing the Central Division

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Apr 24, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) takes a shot during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Coming off a playoff appearance, the Detroit Pistons made a lot of noise by finishing with a record of 44-38 last season and giving the soon to be NBA champions, the Cleveland Cavaliers, a tough four-game series.

Led by the improving Reggie Jackson, who averaged 18.8 points and 6.2 assists per game, expect him to step up more this season and emerge as a leader. Andre Drummond, who was named an All-Star last year, earned himself a five-year, $130 million contract. He averaged 16.2 points per game and led the league in rebounds at 14.8 per game. With that huge contract money being given to him, let’s see how he performs throughout the season.

The Pistons have solid young players such as Stanley Johnson and Kentavious Caldwell Pope. Expect Johnson to come off the bench with solid numbers as he is improving under coach Stan Van Gundy. Let’s not forget about Tobias Harris, who played a role in the Pistons’ playoff run, averaging 14.5 points per game in the postseason while shooting 45.7 percent on the field.

If Detroit wants to return to the playoffs and improve, it all lies on Drummond and the numbers he puts up. Jackson also has to step up as a leader if the Pistons want to improve. If young players like Johnson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope improve, expect the Pistons to send themselves back to the playoffs for a second straight year.

Next: Chicago Bulls