The Pistons Are Building Something Special—Finally

The Detroit Pistons are finally starting to resemble a serious basketball team.

THANK YOU, LORD.

After years of irrelevance, missed draft picks, and underwhelming rebuild attempts, the Pistons just completed a historic turnaround, and there’s no denying it.

They went from a league-worst 14 wins in 2023-24 to 44 wins and a playoff berth in 2024-25.

That’s a 30-game improvement, something no NBA team has ever done from a record that low.

And while there’s still work to be done. I repeat, this team isn't yet a contender; they're on the right path.

For the first time in years, there's real momentum in Detroit.

Let’s begin with the offseason moves.

Replacing Tim Hardaway Jr. and Simone Fontecchio with Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert is a clear upgrade.

Duncan Robinson, a 6-foot-7 sharpshooter with NBA Finals experience, gives the Pistons something they’ve sorely lacked: elite floor spacing.

He knows his role, plays within the offense, and brings a championship pedigree from his time in Miami.

Caris LeVert is another valuable addition. A versatile wing who can score, defend, and facilitate — particularly off the bench — LeVert is not afraid of the moment.

He brings toughness, scoring punch, and a veteran presence that this young core needs.

Now, losing Dennis Schroder does hurt. He brought championship experience, tempo, and leadership off the bench.

I personally would have preferred to keep him around, but the front office clearly had a plan.

That plan included drafting Chaz Lanier out of Tennessee, a player who quietly resembles a younger version of Tim Hardaway Jr. He has good size, a smooth jumper, and a scorer’s mentality.

Don’t be surprised if he becomes a contributor sooner than expected.

Let’s talk about the core of this team:

• Cade Cunningham has taken the next step. He looks confident, composed, and ready to lead.

• Ausar Thompson continues to develop into one of the league’s most promising two-way wings.

• Jalen Duren has become a force in the paint and a future All-Star center.

• Jaden Ivey still needs to find consistency, but his athleticism and upside remain tremendous.

• Isaiah Stewart brings toughness and a strong defensive mindset every night.

  
  

Together, this group has chemistry, youth, and hunger.

Of course, Detroit is still missing one piece: another all-star or superstar. Every contender has one. As well as Cade has played, and as promising as this core looks, the Pistons still need a player who can close playoff games, a true No. 2 option.

Would I have liked to see them pursue a blockbuster for someone like Devin Booker?

Yes.

A player of that caliber would elevate this group to championship contention.

But even without that piece, we have to give credit where it’s due.

From 14 wins to the playoffs, from mediocrity to momentum, the Pistons are back in the national conversation.

And with Trajan Langdon and J.B. Bickerstaff leading the charge, the future in Detroit is brighter than it has been in over a decade.

Let’s see how far this group can go.