Are the Pistons for real?
They were two seasons ago – really, really bad. Historically bad, in fact, in terms of franchise history.
They made a stunning turnaround last season under a new regime headed by president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon and head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. They qualified for the playoffs without having to go through the play-in round, then gave the Knicks a tough battle before falling the first round.
During the preseason, the Cavaliers and Knicks were considered the top two teams in the Eastern Conference. Through the first four weeks of the season, the Pistons have a better record than both of those teams, though one of their two defeats came at the hands of the Cavaliers.
The Pistons possess plenty of good young talent with a sprinkling of veterans to help them along. Cade Cunningham reached All-Star status last season and has entered the early conversation for the league’s Most Valuable Player award.
Not only has Cunningham posted big numbers, but he has usually saved his best for last. Cunningham is among the league leaders in fourth-quarter output.
Center Jalen Duren, a restricted free agent next summer, has stepped up his production at both ends of the floor.
Ausar Thompson’s offensive game still needs work but he’s a stat stuffer and defensive stopper who has served as the team’s secondary ball-handler this season. Second-year player Ron Holland remains a steady contributor off the bench. Backup big man Isaiah Stewart is one of the league’s elite rim protectors and interior defenders.
Tobias Harris and offseason additions Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert provide shooting, poise and leadership.
Even the end of the bench guys have played big roles. With the entire starting lineup in street clothes on Wednesday, the Pistons defeated the Bulls behind veteran big man Paul Reed and two-way player Daniss Jenkins. Under-the-radar free agent addition Javonte Green and Jenkins led them to an NBA Cup win over the Sixers on Friday, the team’s ninth consecutive victory.
The Pistons should get Cunningham’s projected backcourt partner – Jaden Ivey – back from a knee injury sometime next month. He’ll provide another element to the team’s offense with his quickness and play-making.
The Pistons are a middle-of-the-road shooting team but they make up for it by ranking high in many defensive statistical categories, including field-goal percentage, turnovers forced, and blocks.
That brings us to today’s topic: What is the Pistons’ ceiling this season? Are they at the level of the Cavaliers and Knicks, who are considered the co-favorites in the Eastern Conference? If not, what type of player should Detroit acquire to reach that level?
Please take to the comments section to weigh in on this topic. We look forward to your input.
the 2 best tms in the east lost their superstars for the season so the conference is wide open this year. its never been easier to W it than now
Good win last night missing their leaders. They are easily top 3 in the weak east.
“For the 2025-26 NBA season, the Eastern Conference has a record of 86 wins against the Western Conference’s 85 losses. This is a slight advantage for the East in head-to-head matchups for the season, based on data from Basketball-Reference.com. “
The Pistons are a legit 2nd round and out team..
Very good coached young team. Still a player and possibly two away. If it wasn’t for Brunson’s heroics in G6, we would have gotten to see Cade in a G7 at MSG, which would have been a treat. As a bulls fan I am sad about the direction of their potential compared to ours. I wish nothing nice to Pistons for obvious reasons but the roster is really good and Cade is my preseason MVP pick. This team can have legitimate say to have 3 all stars this season. Rejoice Pistons fans, you guys should be proud of your team once again.
Pistons are finally starting to grow up. Yes they are a good team. Still think they need a backup C. To really take them serious. With Celtics and Pacers down this year. Its Cavs, Knicks, Pistons, Magic.
Ivey hasn’t even gotten started yet. Cade is the man.
I had Detroit as an easy over. At 46.5.
link to hoopsrumors.com
Main reason: not Cade, but coaching. They have already had several wins that can be called “coach’s wins” – away at Houston, the last 2 games with no starters. Coaching matters.
And Cade is awesome; Duren is improving in his contract year at age 21 (not a surprise); Ausar is ridiculously difficult to play against; they are getting solid play all over the court.
I watched their season opener against Chicago, which they lost. That game only reinforced my belief in them – they were the better team that night. They were the better team in all of their games, actually, other than the Cleveland game, where the Cavs beat them with 3-pt shooting.
I still believe everything I wrote in that post. I believe that Denver is going to be an under at 53.5 – 54 wins is their ceiling. They are a type of team to lose 2 games against Charlotte (they were the only team in the West that lost both games against Washington in 24-25); they are likely to take the foot off the pedal late when they have #2-3 seed secured; they will not be getting the same contributions from Murray and Gordon for 82 games.
I took an under for Atlanta at 46.5 because of Trae. He does not propel a team that has a squad like Atlanta to wins. They were 1-3 with him. Little did I know he would get injured – Trae is not an injury-prone player at all (because he doesn’t defend or engage in actions that result in injury). They went 7-2 without him. Despite that, I still think they will not win 47 or more games on the season.
Dallas. I don’t know how anyone could say with a straight face that they were going to compete for something before the start of the season; that Flagg was going to be this difference maker, and with him + AD + other good players, they would be over at 41.5. Only pokemons from ESPN could say something like that.
I have never bet on anything in my life, but if I were, I’d put a lot of money on them getting fewer than 42 wins. Anyone who doesn’t have their head in the clouds could see that. They are tanking to get Flagg a buddy and were planning to do so before the season started.
Holland also is a very talented youngster with size at SF. He is still getting better. They drafted well. Have to give them credit. I agree with coaching too. Bickerstaff is doing a great job.