By: VINCENT MENDOZA / CO-NEWS EDITOR
The Detroit Pistons are back and the NBA is taking notice.
Detroit finished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference last season with a 14-68 record while tying the 2014-16 Philadelphia 76ers for the most consecutive losses in league history at 28. But the Pistons have engineered quite the turnaround.
This year, they boast a 35-28 record, including an eight-game winning streak last month, positioning them as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, a mere game behind the fourth-placed Milwaukee Bucks.
Last season was a low point for the franchise. The team struggled on both ends of the court, finishing among the bottom four in both offensive and defensive rankings. The struggles led to the termination of head coach Monty Williams and executive Troy Weaver. This year, the Pistons brought in J.B. Bickerstaff, a seasoned coach in his ninth season, as well as executive Trajan Langdon, signaling a clear shift in direction. Bickerstaff's leadership has instilled a new sense of discipline and purpose, while Langdon's vision has reshaped the roster.
The Pistons' resurgence can be attributed to a potent combination of factors but the most significant is the emergence of Cade Cunningham. The 2021 first overall pick has finally stepped into his own, averaging over 25 points, six rebounds and nine-and-a-half assists per game. Cunningham's playmaking ability is among the league's best, ranking third in assists per game behind Nikola Jokić and Trae Young.
Along with his elite playmaking, the 23-year-old’s scoring prowess places him among the league's elite as well, ranking 11th in points per game, all while shooting career-highs from the field and from three, demonstrating his improved efficiency and confidence. He has also become a top-10 rebounding guard, showcasing his all-around impact on the game.
And Cunningham is just one piece of the Pistons’ well-oiled machine. The addition of veteran Tobias Harris has provided a much-needed calming presence and leadership on and off the court. Harris, who previously spent three years with the Pistons from 2015 to 2018, brings experience and a versatile skill set. Through 59 games, the Long Island native is putting up roughly 16 points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block per game, contributing in all facets of the game. His return has been a welcome addition to this new and improved team.
Despite losing their second-leading scorer, Jaden Ivey, to a broken leg on New Year’s Day, the Pistons have continued to thrive. Much of this success can be attributed to other players stepping up in his absence.
Three-point specialist Malik Beasley has experienced a career resurgence in Detroit, posting 16.6 points per game while shooting a career-high 42.2% from beyond the arc on a career-high nine-and-a-half attempts per contest. Beasley's sharpshooting has provided the Pistons with crucial floor spacing, making him a valuable offensive weapon. His durability has also been a key factor as he has played in every game this season.
In the frontcourt, Jalen Duren continues to develop into a force. While his raw numbers may not be drastically different from last year, his defensive improvements have been significant. Duren brings tremendous energy to both ends of the floor, averaging 11 points and 10 rebounds while adding just over a block per game on an impressive 70% shooting from the field.
Sophomore forward Ausar Thompson has quickly established himself as one of the league's premier perimeter defenders, possessing athleticism and defensive prowess that have made him a valuable asset on the wing. Thompson is averaging roughly 10 points, five rebounds, two-and-a-half assists and two steals per game. If he can develop a consistent jump shot, his offensive potential will skyrocket, making him an even greater threat.
Another veteran presence, Tim Hardaway Jr., provides the Pistons with valuable floor spacing and defense. Hardaway's role is similar to Beasley's, offering the team another reliable shooter and defender off the bench.
The Pistons' impressive turnaround has been fueled by their up-tempo style of play. The team ranks seventh in pace, indicating their commitment to getting out and running in transition. While they average the same amount of turnovers as last season, their improved defense has been able to compensate.
Looking ahead, the Pistons look to maintain their momentum and secure a playoff berth, hoping to avoid the play-in tournament and even gain home-court advantage in the first round, marking their first playoff appearance since 2019. The team is eager to end their playoff victory drought, as they haven't won a playoff game since 2008, when they reached the conference finals before losing to the eventual-champion Boston Celtics.
The Detroit Pistons are no longer the laughingstock of the NBA. They are a team on the rise, with a blend of young talent and veteran leadership that makes them a formidable opponent. With Cunningham leading the charge, the Pistons are poised to make a deep playoff run and restore pride to the Motor City.
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