Happy New Year everyone! For their first episode of 2017, Jordan Bellant and Ben Gulker are joined by Lazarus Jackson. Laz comes on to talk about the team’s recent play and to offer reasons to be cautiously optimistic. - - Starting with the Kings game (4:00), Laz breaks down just exactly how the team lost after having an 18 point lead in the third quarter. - - Part of the concern in the Kings game centered around Reggie Jackson. Ben talks about his improved play (7:50) and what it could mean if he continues to play like last year. - - Jordan brings up the future schedule (11:20); Laz and Ben take turns breaking down their expectations for the end of the road trip and next dozen games. - - Talking about team expectations, Jordan asks Ben if a .500 record and fighting for the playoffs is good enough for this season (20:25). Ben also explains the importance of improved defense and rebounding (24:00). - - Laz explains why the defense has been noticeably worse since Reggie has returned (30:50). - - Ben wants to #FreeBoban and calls on SVG to play him more (34:50)! That lead into a conversation about the bench, the need to improve scoring off the bench and… #FreeBeno? (48:45). - - Jordan tries not to derail the podcast, but wants to talk about Carmelo Anthony (55:20). What about Carmelo? You’ll have to listen to find out! - - The Detroit Bad Boys Podcast is a part of the SB Nation site, Detroit Bad Boys. Subscribe on iTunes and find archived episodes on Blog Talk Radio. For more information, go to DetroitBadBoys.com/Detroit-Pistons-Podcast - - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices