Here are 20 thoughts as the Pistons have reached the 20-game mark:



1. Before we go any further, let me prelude this piece: This isn’t a pro-tanking column. These aren’t the words of an angry beat writer hoping his pounding of the table is heard by ownership. This isn’t an attempt to become some hot-take artist. This column is based on the obvious.



2. Detroit is 7-13 after 20 games. The Pistons haven’t won back-to-back games all year. On Monday, the Pistons were 5-11 with a favorable five-game stretch ahead, one that featured opponents with equally disappointing records, and had a chance to salvage their underwhelming regular-season start. After Sunday’s win over the Spurs, they have to beat the Cavaliers on Tuesday just to be above .500 during that stint. The Bucks await them after it’s over.



3. Of course, the case can be made that Detroit’s poor start is because of health. Blake Griffin missed 12 games with an...