The Detroit Pistons are enjoying a breakout season, which very few could have seen coming.
Detroit currently sits at sixth place in the Eastern Conference with a 29-26 record, already a 15-win improvement from the previous season.
The Pistons had a historically disastrous 2023-24 season, in which they had a league-worst 14-68 record and endured a NBA record 28-game losing streak.
In the offseason, Detroit added veteran role players Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley. Veteran presence was needed for a fairly young roster.
The front office also decided to move on from head coach Monty Williams and hire J.B. Bickerstaff, who had coached the Cleveland Cavaliers the previous four years.
In the 2024 NBA Draft, the Pistons took NBA G-League Ignite forward Ron Holland II with the fifth overall pick.
Despite all of the Pistons’ offseason moves, many predicted them to be in a similar position for the 2024-25 season. After an 0-4 start to the season, it seemed that it would once again be the same story for Detroit.
The ascent of point guard Cade Cunningham and continued development of Detroit’s young core ensured that this season would be a different story.
Cunningham, who the Pistons drafted with the first overall pick in 2021, has improved his scoring and passing in each of his years with Detroit. The former Oklahoma State guard currently averages 25.4 points and 9.4 assists per game, which earned him his first All-Star nod in 2025.
Alongside Cunningham in the Pistons backcourt is Jaden Ivey, the third-year guard out of Purdue. Before suffering a broken fibula in early January, Ivey was enjoying the best season of his career, averaging 17.6 points on 46 percent shooting.
The Pistons continued to rally in Ivey’s absence, as they went on a 5-game winning streak. This stretch included impressive wins against the Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves. Although Ivey may be out for the foreseeable future, Detroit has stayed afloat in the Eastern Conference.
After missing the first 18 games of the season with a blood clot, sophomore forward Ausar Thompson returned to the lineup. Thompson immediately provided Detroit with a spark on both sides of the ball with his athleticism and lockdown defense.
Detroit has seen drastic improvements on both sides of the ball in comparison to last year. Last season, Detroit ranked 27th in points per game at 109.9 and 26th in points allowed per game at 119. They are currently ranked 13th in points per game with 113.6 and 16th in points allowed per game with 113.1.
This newly revitalized Detroit Pistons squad is looking to end a 5-year playoff drought. They are also looking to etch their first winning record since the 2015-16 season.
The Pistons’ breakout season could already be labeled as a success, but it seems Detroit is hungry for more. This young team may have found their stride and will only get better in years to come.
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