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Detroit Pistons Reload: Building on a Breakthrough Year

The momentum is heating up in Detroit. How far can the Pistons go?
Summer Weathers|
Mar 19, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots the basketball against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Mar 19, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots the basketball against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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Detroit Pistons

After making headlines last season by securing a playoff spot with a 44-38 record and landing in the sixth seed in the East, the Detroit Pistons have made it clear: they’re a team on the rise looking to build on last year’s momentum. 

The Face of the Franchise 

At the forefront is Cade Cunningham, the NBA All-Star guard entering his fifth year. He’s lived up to all the expectations and is exactly the kind of player Detroit needed when they drafted him No.1 overall in 2021. 

During a sit-down interview with Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania back in April, Cunningham stated, “I want to be the best player in the world. Everyday.” 

The All-Star has completely transformed Detroit’s offense. Last season, he averaged 26.1 points per game, 6.1 rebounds per game, and 9.1 assists. The numbers speak volumes and helped tremendously in tripling their win total from the year prior, further building a case as to why he can be a future league MVP. As the season is nearing, sustaining that level of play will be instrumental as Detroit looks to make a deeper run.

Cade and Ivey Backcourt 

A major boost as the season approaches is the return of Jaden Ivey, who suffered a season-ending fibula injury in January. Ivey was showing incredible signs of a breakout year after hitting two huge game-winners early on.

Now, looking ahead towards his comeback, Ivey and Cunningham will again be the elite backcourt duo that feeds off each other, facilitates, and scores.

Pistons Cade Cunningha
Dec 26, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) and guard Cade Cunningham (2) celebrate after the win against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images | Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Defensive Catalysts 

Detroit’s core continues to thrive with defensive specialist Ausar Thompson, who is often tasked with guarding a team’s best player. His particular set of skills defensively has gained a lot of attention, and the same goes for Ron Holland, who is fresh off his rookie year but showed that he is fitting seamlessly into his role within the team.

Balance in the Motor City

Jalen Duren was a constant presence all throughout last season and jelled extremely well with Cade, especially when it came to pick-and-roll action. Similar to Isaiah Stewart, they both provide strength and rim protection.

The Pistons still have vocal leader Tobias Harris and a balanced overall lineup with the new addition of Caris LeVert, who is already familiar with J.B. Bickerstaff after spending some time under his leadership in Cleveland.

Duncan Robinson also joins the team after signing a three-year deal and brings to Detroit efficient shooting. More of that catch-and-shoot ability is expected to come from rookie Chaz Lanier, too, who was selected in the second round as the 37th pick.

Detroit's Foundation

The good news is that last season the Pistons showed they are way ahead of schedule in their rebuilding stage. This year, they will have to capitalize on it as they look to make some noise in the East.

More Pistons On SI

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Summer Weathers
SUMMER WEATHERS

My name is Summer Weathers — I’m a follower of Jesus, committed to walking in purpose and using the gifts He’s given me to tell meaningful stories in the world of sports. I’m a graduate of Oakland University with a degree in Journalism and Broadcast Media Studies. I have always had a deep love for sports –– the energy it brings, the high competition, the stories behind the game itself, and so many other great things. I knew I wanted to turn that passion into a career. I got my start in sports media during my sophomore year at OU, when I became the sports reporter for The Oakland Post, covering all campus athletics — even the magical March Madness game when Oakland knocked out Kentucky and Jack Gohlke made 10 threes. The energy was unreal, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget as a student journalist that traveled to Pennsylvania to witness and cover it all. In 2023, I began an internship with Tunnel Vision Network, where I contributed sports articles covering the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League. During the summer of 2024, I interned at Local 4 News in Detroit, which also played a big part in my professional development where I gained hands-on experience in newsroom operations — from tracking breaking news to going out on scene assignments, conducting interviews, and writing sports features and blog posts. And now...of course, more basketball. I have been sidelining for the Detroit Pistons G League Affiliate, the Motor City Cruise. You can also catch me contributing to Woodward Sports Network live shows, where I engage in discussions and stay closely connected to the heart of Detroit’s sports scene. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention — if you ever see me prepping for interviews and getting ready for game day, there’s a very good chance I’ll have a chai latte in my hand. It’s definitely my go-to!

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