The Pistons looked like a complete joke just a few short years ago in 2023-24. Now, in the midst of a historic start to the 2025-26 season, you’d think you’re watching a completely different team.
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The Pistons were a Joke Just a Few Years Ago
In 2019, Detroit made the playoffs with a mediocre record of 41-41. This would be the last time they made the postseason until 2024-25, as the next few years would be terrible. 20 wins in the COVID shortened 2019-20 season was followed by another 20 win campaign that led to Cade Cunningham being drafted first overall. Despite this, the team only won a measly 17 games in 2022. In 2023, Detroit had an atrocious season, winning just 14 games, and embarking on long losing skids that had the fan base thinking their team was dead in the water.
Detroit shocked the world, when they made their way into a playoff spot just a year later. Their playoff time was short lived, as they lost to the Knicks in 7 games, but it was still a sign that the Pistons, like they other major sports teams in Detroit, were on the rise.
Current Success Fueling Pistons to the Top
Currently, Detroit sits on top of the Eastern Conference of the NBA, a position that no one could predict. As well, Cade Cunningham is an MVP candidate. It’s valid to wonder if this team is a legitimate contender not just for the playoffs, but for the Finals as well.
What is fueling this meteoric rise behind Detroit’s success? One good place to start isn’t even on the court, but rather with the team culture.
Team culture is huge in Detroit. The Lions have an infectious mentality of “grit” that has taken them to new heights. The Tigers have found playoff success after fighting back from a near 0 chance of making the playoffs in 2024. The Red Wings are one of the most exciting teams in hockey with chances to make the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade.
Putting a winning culture in for the Pistons has been key in their success. Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has become a player-favorite coach in the program. The team has adopted a mentality where they support each other and hustle for the team, regardless of if they’re a star or a relatively unknown player. Detroit is physical and doesn’t shy away from work, similar to what we saw back in the 2000’s or even as far back as the Bad Boys era.
Pistons’ Building Blocks
When it comes to players on the court, Cade Cunningham is the unquestioned leader and absolute superstar the Pistons can rely on. From his first All-Star appearance in 2024, the upward momentum doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Cunningham is averaging a blistering 27.3 points per game, while also being a passing threat, tallying 9.9 assists per game.
Surrounding Cade with talent has helped Detroit rise even further up the ranks of the NBA. Jalen Duren has taken a major step forward and has become a high-motor big that does everything on both ends of the floor. Isiah Stewart is the other main big man, and he provides shooting, rebounding, and defense at an incredibly high level not matched by many in the league. Duncan Robinson was added in the off-season, and he’s provided the team with shooting ability, which has been sorely needed for a while.
2024 pick Ron Holland is another piece that has helped the Pistons improve, as he’s able to handle almost any position within the system he’s needed to do. He’s able to handle ball duties or able to be an excellent off ball player. Put it in his hands, and he’s able to be a slasher. Similarly, Ausar Thompson is also a developing player with a role as a slasher, and a great defensive motor.
Veteran leadership is provided by Tobias Harris, who, when healthy, is an ever reliable scoring threat while helping to mentor one of the youngest teams in the NBA. How about the names you don’t really hear about. Sure you always hear about Cade, but what about Paul Reed, a valuable center able to provide rotational minutes? What about Daniss Jenkiss, a former G league player who is now breaking out when called upon? All this is happening while Jaden Ivey recovers from his injury, and when he comes back another point guard will be joining and contributing to the Pistons squad.
The Real Competition Starts Now
Simply putting the world on notice isn’t enough in the NBA. In the NBA, it’s all about who gets that championship ring at the end of the season. The Pistons are among the ranks of contenders early in the season, but it’s unclear how well they will be able to compete with the likes of the Kicks or Cavaliers in the east, and out west, teams like the Thunder or Nuggets are title favorites.
The Pistons haven’t faced much in the way of top competition. The resume for Detroit is on the weaker end, and the team in general may face struggles against better shooting teams. Until this team plays through the tougher stretch of the schedule around Janurary, this will continue to be a potential issue surrounding the Pistons. Still, they are looking like a legit team in the early stages of the NBA season.
- How the Detroit Pistons Culture Change Has Led to Success in 2025
- NBA 2025 Trade Deadline Winners and Losers
- USA Basketball Team Grades for the 2024 Paris Olympics Knockout Stages
- 3 Big Questions: 2024 NBA Draft Edition
- Lakers Not Getting Dan Hurley Was a Big Mistake
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