The NBA season is set to kick off on October 21, and with it comes the familiar tradition of 30 previews in 30 days. This year, we’ll analyze each team in depth: offseason moves, roster changes, projections, and predictions. Today, we turn the spotlight on the Detroit Pistons.
What Happened Last Season
- The Pistons’ record for the 2024-25 season
Last season was a remarkable turnaround for the Detroit Pistons!
After a dismal 2023-24 season, where they managed just 14 wins and suffered 28 consecutive losses, the franchise saw a stunning revival. The Pistons tripled their victory count to 44, securing a place in the Eastern Conference’s top six and reached the playoffs. Historically, no team has ever moved from just 14 wins to playoff contention the following year. Kudos to the team!
Key contributors to this turnaround included head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who built a cohesive identity that earned him a nomination for Coach of the Year. Cade Cunningham also emerged as a standout player, earning All-Star and All-NBA honors. New veterans brought into the team—Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley—greatly benefitted the squad, with Beasley having a record-breaking season off the bench, scoring 319 three-pointers and contending for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
The Pistons proved to be a force to reckon with in the East, facing the New York Knicks in a closely contested first-round playoff series. Detroit managed to secure two victories, including one at Madison Square Garden, despite facing challenges with officiating and pressure moments. Ultimately, they exited the playoffs with pride, in front of a passionate fanbase reminiscent of their glorious past.
Unfortunately, injuries hampered their campaign, notably Jaden Ivey’s absence starting in January, and Isaiah Stewart could not participate in the playoffs. Despite these setbacks, they overshadowed the overall success of the 2024-25 season.
Summer Moves
- Departures: Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dennis Schroder, Simone Fontecchio, Ron Harper Jr., Lindy Waters III
- Extensions: Paul Reed, Daniss Jenkins (two-way)
- Additions: Caris LeVert, Duncan Robinson, Javonte Green, Chaz Lanier, Colby Jones (two-way)
Trajan Langdon, who took the helm of the Pistons in May 2024, had previously made strategic moves that proved beneficial last season. Therefore, this summer focused on maintaining continuity rather than big splashes. There was speculation about whether Detroit would go for a major acquisition to solidify their standing in a relatively weak Eastern Conference, but they made only modest adjustments.
Duncan Robinson was acquired in exchange for Simone Fontecchio, while Caris LeVert replaced Tim Hardaway Jr. Paul Reed was extended for two years at $11 million. The returns included rookie Chaz Lanier, selected in the second round—Detroit did not have a first-round pick this year—and versatile Javonte Green.
Among the departures, Dennis Schroder, who joined mid-season and helped lead the Pistons to the playoffs, was notable. Malik Beasley’s situation remains uncertain as he is under investigation for illegal sports betting, leaving him currently without an NBA contract. While the Pistons have brought in Robinson and LeVert, Beasley’s potential absence could be challenging to replace.
2025-26 Pistons Roster
- Guards: Cade Cunningham, Marcus Sasser, Daniss Jenkins (two-way)
- Shooting Guards: Jaden Ivey, Caris LeVert, Javonte Green, Chaz Lanier, Colby Jones (two-way)
- Small Forwards: Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland II, Duncan Robinson
- Power Forwards: Tobias Harris, Bobi Klintman, Tolu Smith (two-way)
- Centers: Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, Paul Reed
Bold indicates projected starters, according to reliable sources.
The focus on continuity is evident in this season’s starting lineup. Barring any surprises, the lineup should mirror the one that faced the Knicks in last year’s series, with Jaden Ivey returning from injury to replace Tim Hardaway Jr. While there may be concerns about outside shooting, the overall base looks solid.
Cunningham will lead the team, Ivey brings his energy, Harris adds experience and space, while Jalen Duren hopes to continue his development. Ausar Thompson is expected to emerge after a strong playoff performance and could play a significant role in the team’s growth. His increased responsibilities might resemble those of his brother Amen in Houston.
The bench will gain toughness from Ron Holland II and Isaiah Stewart, with Holland having a promising rookie season on defense. Stewart, infamous for his feisty play, is an integral part of the Pistons’ evolving identity as a top-10 NBA defense last year. Offensively, LeVert will provide lifts, Robinson will offer long-range shooting, and backup point guard Marcus Sasser can make valuable contributions in limited minutes.
What to Expect This Season
The Pistons enter this season on a mission to validate their resurgence after exceeding expectations last year.
This may be a challenging task for such a young squad, but with the support of Cade Cunningham, they could ascend even further in a weak Eastern Conference. Transitioning from sixth to potentially a top-four seed is feasible, which would grant them home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Winning a series for the first time since 2008 could become a reality.
To achieve this, they need an elite, injury-free Cunningham. They must also adapt to the departure of Beasley from the bench (hello LeVert and Robinson). The return of Jaden Ivey and continued development from young talents like Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren, and Ron Holland could propel the Pistons to new heights.
After years in the shadows of the Eastern Conference, the Bickerstaff-led Pistons now possess a cohesive team and a solid identity. Hence, a focus on continuity in their gameplay and results is expected. Behind the scenes, contract negotiations for players like Ivey and Duren, entering the final years of their rookie contracts this season, and Tobias Harris, a free agent in 2026, will be critical to monitor.
Predicted record: 46 wins – 36 losses
Meet William, a proud Bethel University alumnus with a fervent passion for lifestyle and culture topics. His keen interest doesn’t stop there; he’s also deeply engrossed in current events of all kinds. William dedicates himself wholeheartedly to this site, thriving on the collaborative energy he shares with Suzanne, his long-standing partner in crime.
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