After years of rebuilding, the Detroit Pistons are officially back on the NBA radar. Following a surprising 2024–25 season with a 44–38 record—their best since 2016—the franchise snapped a six-year playoff drought and re-energized a fanbase hungry for postseason relevance. Now, Detroit faces a pivotal moment: capitalize on their newfound momentum or risk stalling in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Cade Cunningham and the Core: Foundation for the Future
Cade Cunningham has fully embraced his role as the face of the franchise. He posted career highs in points and assists, showcasing poise, leadership, and the all-around skill set that teams build around. Alongside him, rising talents such as Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, and Ron Holland II provide the Pistons with a solid, young nucleus.
Veteran forward Tobias Harris has played a key role, offering a steady presence and reliable mid-range scoring to balance the youth-driven roster.
Cap Space and Opportunity
The Pistons possess enough cap space to potentially retain veteran contributors like Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dennis Schröder, and Paul Reed, all of whom are set to become unrestricted free agents. However, future financial flexibility could be impacted as key young players such as Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren become eligible for contract extensions.
Draft Dynamics: Guarded Assets and Long-Term Planning
While the team showed notable improvement this season, their playoff exit revealed a critical flaw: the lack of reliable secondary shooting behind Cade Cunningham. Adding offensive depth is priority No. 1 this summer.
Future plans for the Pistons may be somewhat constrained due to limited draft capital. However, President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon has demonstrated a willingness to be aggressive. With a deep free-agent class and an active trade market, Detroit’s draft picks could become valuable assets in a larger deal aimed at immediate improvement.
Final Thoughts: On the Cusp of Contention
The Pistons’ 2025 offseason is about more than just roster adjustments—it’s a litmus test for how committed the organization is to competing at the highest level. With a talented young core, a clear need for scoring help, and financial flexibility, the blueprint for success is already in place. Now it’s a matter of execution.
Fans in Detroit have waited a long time for relevance to return to Little Caesars Arena. If the front office plays its cards right, the 2025–26 season may not only bring a return to the playoffs—it could mark the beginning of a team capable of making serious postseason noise.
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