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Ranking the best potential defensive teams in the Eastern Conference

By Spencer R. Henderson

Feb 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) dribbles against the defense of Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Orlando Magic won 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) dribbles against the defense of Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Orlando Magic won 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Stan Van Gundy, Detroit Pistons
Jan 9, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy (L) gestures from the sidelines during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons are a team that can begin to pick up a little steam off of last season.

The Pistons made the jump into the Playoffs the Orlando Magic look to make this upcoming year. The jump had a lot to do with their improvement on the defensive side of the ball.

Last year the Pistons’ finished 12th in total point allowed per game. The season before they finished 14th, not a huge improvement but enough to change their end result.

Although the eventual champion Cavaliers swept the Pistons in the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs, they have young players who are expected to improve.

For instance, Tobias Harris is a player who some commentators have compared to Carmelo Anthony. Largely because of his body frame and potential to shoot from anywhere on the court.

If he and Stanley Johnson can take the next step defensively, this Pistons team could be one of the best defensive teams in the East.

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Everything goes through Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson on the defensive end in Detroit. The two are among the best at their respected positions.

With Drummond fresh off a season where he made his first All-Star appearance, the team should not have issues protecting the paint.

Their perimeter defense is lacking the most. This team will have to improve on its perimeter defense and all signs point to them doing so.

Last year, Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy said he does not know if his teams’ defensive deficiencies were because of lack of skill or lack of communicating. But if any coach can correct these problems and take the Pistons to the next level, it is Van Gundy.

Next: The upstart grows up