The Detroit Pistons are off to a 4-1 start to the 2026-27 NBA season, but there are plenty of storylines developing as the team heads into November. Aaron Johnson and Jasper Apollonia return to break down Detroit’s strong start, what has stood out through the first five games, and whether the Pistons are showing signs of becoming a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference.

The guys discuss the latest injury to Jalen Duren and what his absence means for the Pistons’ rotation, frontcourt depth, and overall outlook moving forward. They also take a closer look at JB Bickerstaff’s rotation decisions, including the roles of Ron Holland, rookie Ebuka Okorie, and Taurean Prince, and debate how Detroit should distribute minutes as the season progresses.

Additionally, Aaron and Jasper share their early concerns about Ausar Thompson’s start to the season and examine what needs to improve in his game. Finally, the guys look ahead at the Detroit Pistons’ upcoming November schedule, identify some important matchups, and discuss what the team needs to accomplish to keep its momentum going.

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Aaron Johnson and Jasper Apollonia are back on the Palace of Pistons Podcast to break down Detroit’s season-opening comeback victory over the Boston Celtics! The guys discuss Javonte Green’s crucial role in the comeback and why he deserves to play over Ron Holland moving forward. They also dive into Detroit’s improved shooting with Duncan Robinson, Kevin Huerter, and Isaiah Joe, evaluate the performances of Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson, and explain why the Pistons’ big three will be the driving force behind the team’s success this season. Finally, the guys preview Detroit’s challenging road trip against the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and New York Knicks.

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Morning Pistons fans, and welcome back to the Weekly Drive. The NBA season is here, and it started with a bang at Little Caesars Arena. We will get to that, how the Pistons looked, some predictions, and the Ron Holland problem. Here we go.

Game 1: Boston 113, Detroit 121

It didn’t look good early, but the Pistons found a way to claw themselves back into this game and pick up an impressive win. Javonte Green was huge down the stretch (more on him later), and Duncan Robinson caught fire from beyond the arc.

Robinson ended up with 21 points on 5/9 shooting from deep and, inexplicably, attempted eight free throws. He has never averaged even four free throws per game in any season. His shooting gravity is vital to Detroit’s offense, and it was on full display last night.

Detroit started the game shooting 4/22 from deep, but then went 13/20 the rest of the way. A 23-0 run in the fourth quarter stunned the Celtics, who were cruising for the first two-thirds of the game before cracking in half.

Cade Cunningham led the team with eight assists and looked like his usual, comfortable, self. After an All-NBA Season, Cunningham appears to have not missed a step.

Jalen Duren tied Cunningham with a team-high 22 points, adding nine rebounds and a block. In his first true action since signing the extension, Duren looked like himself — a good sign for the Pistons.

Opening Night/Day?

Anyone else conflicted on a 3:00 PM start time for the FIRST NBA game of the season? On one hand, that is a weird midday opener (noon on the west coast is odd) but also convenient for those of us working at a desk and (allegedly) a propped up phone while working.

Regardless, I am just glad to have the NBA back.

Ron Holland

It took a grand total of three minutes for head coach J.B Bickerstaff to zap Ron Holland of his court time yesterday, something that may irk the unassuming Pistons fan. The former fifth-overall pick logged just 2:45, missed his only shot, and had one rebound and one assist.

Then in came Green, who played over 17 minutes, shot 5/10 from the floor (all coming from 3-point land) for a total of 19 points. He was indispensable, and turned the tide of the game. Holland never sniffed the floor again after that.

It begs the question: what are the Pistons to do with him? It is only one game, and his upside is certainly intriguing, but Detroit may not be able to wait for that potential to come to fruition. His shooting gravity is not that of Green, and the Pistons rely on that to open up their offense. Bickerstaff will always gravitate to his veterans, and Holland may be the next casualty of that storyline (looking at you, Isaac Okoro).

Oh, did you not listen to the latest episode of the Palace of Pistons Podcast? That’s a shame. Here it is, and you’re welcome.

See you next week. Or maybe even after the next game, if I am feeling spicy.

Mike

On this episode of the Palace of Pistons Podcast, Aaron Johnson and Jasper Apollonia break down the latest storylines surrounding the Detroit Pistons as the regular season approaches.

The guys kick things off by discussing Detroit’s over/under win total of 48.5 wins for the upcoming season. Is this a realistic expectation for the Pistons after last season’s success, or are the expectations getting too high?

Next, they discuss Jalen Duren’s first preseason appearance since signing his massive five-year, $200 million contract extension. What did his performance tell us about his development and what fans can expect from him this season?

Finally, Aaron and Jasper hand out their preseason winners and losers, highlighting the Pistons players who have stood out so far and those who have struggled to make an impression.

Subscribe to the Palace of Pistons Podcast for more Detroit Pistons analysis, news, and discussion throughout the NBA season!

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Good morning Pistons fans, and welcome back to the Palace of Pistons Weekly Drive. Detroit’s preseason rolls on, the Jalen Duren saga has come to a dubious conclusion, and we’re learning more about the rotation. Let’s get into it.

Jalen Duren Re-Signs

It’s been a few weeks since it happened, but starting center Jalen Duren signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $200 million extension to remain in the Motor City. That brings to conclusion one of the more puzzling situations in the NBA this past offseason.

How we got to this point is full of peaks and valleys, and sometimes a ditch or two.

During the regular season, Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game on 65% shooting, was named an All-Star, and then selected to the All-NBA Third-Team. He looked like one of the game’s blossoming young centers and, at absolute worst, Detroit’s third-best player.

But in the playoffs, those numbers plummeted to 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game on 51% shooting, all while getting owned by Wendell Carter Jr. The second round against Cleveland was even worse (9.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game). The Pistons needed seven games to squeak by eight-seed Orlando and got pummeled in Game 7 against the deceptively weak Cavaliers.

Duren disappeared, and that 14-game stretch sent a lot of worry not only through the organization, but across the fanbase as well. Getting outplayed is one thing, but being an active detriment while out on the court is another.

Then the two sides enter an inexplicable contractual Cold War.

The stalemate between Duren’s representation and the front office had been ongoing for months. Duren’s camp wanted a max extension in the $40-million per year range, while the Pistons were lukewarm and offered in the 30’s. Silence. Then there was a rumor of a weight-clause added by Detroit to make sure Duren didn’t loaf it up after getting the bag, only to then be removed in the end. The Pistons reportedly called Duren the team’s fourth-best player during negotiations, further souring the relationship.

Sitting next to President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon, Duren had a lot to say during his press conference. "I am a Detroit Piston,” Duren said. “I want to be a Detroit Piston for life. I want to give everything I’ve got to the Pistons and the fans." Endearing to the fans, certainly, but it is hard not to feel slightly uneasy.

But at least its over, and everyone can move on.

Preseason Musings

Game 1: Phoenix 107, Detroit 109

The highlight came from rookie Ebuka Okorie nailed the game-winning layup, but the Pistons played from behind for most of the game and had to fight their way back. One interesting wrinkle? Ausar Thompson led a third-quarter unit alongside Isaiah Joe, Kevin Huerter, John Collins, and Paul Reed. Thompson hit a few mid-range jumpers, had some good finishes at the rim, and added a steal and a block.

Game 2: Detroit 108, Washington 114

Thompson and Reed fouled out (?), then Daniss Jenkins was ejected (??), leaving Okorie to the the team’s primary scorer. He responded with a team-high 14 points in 27 minutes. It was a rough shooting night for Detroit in general, hitting just 36.8% from the field and 25% from deep. Chaz Lanier, who may be playing some real minutes this season, hit a couple of big threes in overtime, too (he also had two crucial turnovers, as well).

Have you been watching any preseason basketball? Who has stood out to you the most? Okorie certainly has some juice out of the backcourt and will quickly endear himself to fans, making him an early winner for me. And don’t forget to check out the Palace of Pistons Podcast for more coverage.

Aaron Johnson and Jasper Apollonia are back on the Palace of Pistons Podcast, part of the Bleav Podcast Network, to break down the biggest takeaways from the Detroit Pistons’ first preseason game!

The guys discuss why Ausar Thompson looks poised for a breakout season after his impressive preseason performance, how Detroit’s offseason additions have created more lineup versatility, and which Piston could be at risk of falling out of the rotation based on his first preseason showing.

Plus, Aaron and Jasper break down Jalen Duren’s contract extension press conference, what the Pistons center had to say, and how he can get back into the swing of things with the regular season approaching and limited preseason time remaining.

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The Jalen Duren saga is finally over! Aaron Johnson and Jasper Apollonia are back on the Palace of Pistons Podcast to break down Duren signing a five-year, $200 million contract extension with the Detroit Pistons.

The guys discuss the report that Duren was hoping for a sign-and-trade, how the tense contract negotiations impacted his relationship and image with the Pistons and their fanbase, and whether those feelings can be put in the past now that a deal is finally done. They also discuss how quickly Duren can get integrated back into the team, what the extension means for Detroit moving forward, and much more.

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Aaron Johnson is joined by 97.1 The Ticket and WWJ Pistons Pre & Postgame host Jeremy Otto to break down the latest major storylines surrounding the Detroit Pistons. The guys discuss Ausar Thompson's five-year, $155 million extension, the reports that Jalen Duren is turning down Detroit's reported $200 million offer and could be seeking a trade, and the latest details on what actually transpired when the Pistons pursued Kawhi Leonard this offseason. What does Ausar's extension mean for Detroit's future, where does the Duren saga go from here, and how serious was the Pistons' pursuit of Kawhi?

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Good morning Pistons fans, and welcome back to the Palace of Pistons Weekly Drive. The temperature is dropping, football is frustratingly back on my television, and the new iPhones just launched.

It must almost be time for the NBA to make its return.

It’s been a while, and by that I mean a long while, since this newsletter graced your inboxes. A lot has changed in the NBA since then, and much of it impacts Detroit. Let’s get into it.

Extension SZN

No, not you, Jalen Duren.

The Pistons’ actual second-most important player, Ausar Thompson, has reportedly signed a 5-year, $155 million extension to remain in Detroit, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. That locks up the perennial All-Defense-caliber wing for the early prime of Cade Cunningham’s career, and gives the Pistons still enough room to remain flexible into those years—a good piece of business for both sides.

Thompson is a special defensive player, finishing first team All-Defense and third in Defensive Player of the Year voting last year. He had the third-most combined steals and blocks last season at 215, and is one of three players with at least 300 steals and 150 blocks since entering the NBA as the No. 5 pick in the 2023 draft. Those are wrecking-crew numbers in a league that is getting faster and where wing defenders are becoming scarcer. Thompson is a weapon on that end of the floor who can swing possessions, games, and a playoff series.

But what about Duren? Detroit’s front office has continuously made what they believe to be good-faith offers to Duren and his representation in the $190 million range, with no luck. At this point, it is fair to wonder if the All-Star center, who disappeared in the playoffs, will play on the qualifying offer and bet on himself for next summer. That is a huge, huge gamble.

A Spectacular Specter?

Do you like jerseys? How about another jersey promotion, followed by a special jersey for the promotion? Sure, I guess.

The Pistons will be one of a handful of teams to wear “specter” jerseys this upcoming season, a ghostly (and ghastly, in my opinion) color-gradient uniform that looks like a mix of the Aurora Borealis and paint thrown onto a canvas. Detroit doesn’t look awful with a mix of the teal and orange colors from the turn of the century and a very dark night sky base.

The teams getting these special editions are mostly the ones with playoff aspirations, and somehow, the Sacramento Kings, who made Russell Westbrook actually decide to retire rather than play there for another season.

A Bron-d New World

While the Pistons’ offseason was fairly quiet, most of the Eastern Conference got better in some fashion.

The Philadelphia 76ers had the best offseason of any team in the league, stealing Jaylen Brown from the rival Boston Celtics and then signing LeBron James to a contract worth less than what a few college players will make from their NIL deals. Then they paid Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Dean Wade to round out the bench. A starting lineup with Tyrese Maxey, Brown, James, and Joel Embiid is awfully good.

Those pesky Toronto Raptors traded their dead weight for Kawhi Leonard, making a very tough two-headed wing monster with Scottie Barnes. The Miami Heat will be annoying, too, with Giannis Antetokounmpo, even if the rest of the roster is clunky and weird. Indiana will get Tyrese Haliburton back as well, and that team finds ways to win games.

Cleveland and Orlando gave Detroit all they could handle in the playoffs, and will return with mostly the same rosters. Boston is always lingering and will get a full year of Jayson Tatum. Oh, and the New York Knicks are the defending NBA Champions. Hard to remember the Pistons’ rolling theme from last season, given they hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June.

This is a brand new conference, and Detroit’s ability to get back to the top spot will be even more difficult than it was last season. There is a world in which they are a five, six, or even a seven seed if things don’t fall right. I don't think that's likely, but the point is the East is a different beast.

Where do you think the Pistons will finish? Nobody thought they would be the number one seed in the Eastern Conference last season, and look what happened. Let us know in the comments or on social media, or tell Aaron and Jasper in the YouTube comment section. Definitely not the worst way to spend some time.

Thanks for reading, and see you next week.

Aaron Johnson and Jasper Apollonia break down the latest report from Marc Stein that Jalen Duren is increasingly likely to accept the qualifying offer and return to the Detroit Pistons next season. The guys discuss how the Pistons and Duren got to this point, what accepting the qualifying offer would mean for both sides, the risks and benefits of Duren betting on himself, and whether they actually believe Duren will take the qualifying offer or eventually agree to a long-term extension with Detroit.

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On this episode of the Palace of Pistons Podcast, Aaron Johnson and Jasper Apollonia break down Detroit’s key offseason acquisitions and how John Collins, Isaiah Joe, Taurean Prince, and Ebuka Okorie could impact the Pistons this season. The guys examine each player’s strengths, expected role, and fit within Detroit’s roster before diving into the fallout from the NBA’s Kawhi Leonard and Clippers investigation and how it could ultimately impact Jalen Duren and the Pistons.

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On this episode of the Palace of Pistons Podcast, Aaron Johnson takes a closer look at the Eastern Conference and breaks down the league’s top teams heading into the 2026-27 season. With the offseason reshaping the conference around Detroit, Aaron examines how the biggest contenders have improved, which teams have taken a step back, and where the Pistons currently stand among the East’s elite.

Aaron also dives into the latest update in the Jalen Duren contract saga, with reports indicating that Duren and the Pistons are expected to reach an agreement in the range of 4 years and $160 million. What would the deal mean for Detroit’s future, and is that the right price to pay for their young center?

It’s a full Eastern Conference check-in and an important update on one of the Pistons’ biggest offseason storylines.

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Aaron Johnson and Jasper Apollonia break down the Pistons’ brutal 2026-27 schedule, 19 nationally televised games, Jalen Duren’s contract situation, and the looming Ausar Thompson extension.Then, the focus shifts to Detroit’s biggest offseason contract situations. Is the Jalen Duren contract saga finally nearing its conclusion, and what could his next deal mean for the Pistons’ long-term plans? With Duren’s situation seemingly approaching an end, the clock is also starting to tick on Ausar Thompson’s looming contract extension and the financial decisions Detroit will have to make once Duren is locked in.

The guys discuss the schedule, national exposure, Duren, Ausar and what could be one of the most important stretches of roster-building in the Pistons’ recent history.

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On this episode of the Palace of Pistons Podcast, Mike Anguilano and Aaron Johnson break down the latest developments in the Jalen Duren contract negotiations, including reports that the standoff could stretch into late August and the possibility that Duren ultimately plays on the qualifying offer. The guys discuss what that outcome would mean for both Duren and the Pistons, the leverage each side holds, and how the situation could impact Detroit’s long-term plans.

They also shift their attention to the Pistons’ projected starting lineup, with a deep dive into the battle for the starting shooting guard spot. Is Duncan Robinson’s shooting enough to earn the nod? Does Isaiah Joe provide the ideal fit? Or could Daniss Jenkins emerge as the surprise winner? Mike and Aaron evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, and lineup combinations for each candidate while projecting how Detroit’s opening-night rotation could take shape.

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On this episode of the Palace of Pistons Podcast, Aaron Johnson and Jasper Apollonia break down Detroit's latest trade, sending Caris LeVert to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris. The guys discuss what the deal means for the Pistons, whether the roster is actually better today than it was at the end of last season, and if fans should be frustrated that Detroit has yet to make a splashier move this offseason.

Later, Aaron and Jasper shift their focus to NBA Summer League, sharing their thoughts on rookie Ebuka Okorie's debut against the Philadelphia 76ers. They discuss the biggest standouts, the early disappointments, and which young Pistons have already begun making a case for a larger role heading into training camp.

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The Detroit Pistons have been one of the busiest teams of the offseason, and Aaron Johnson and Jasper Apollonia break down every move on this week’s episode of the Palace of Pistons Podcast. The guys discuss Detroit’s trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder to acquire Isaiah Joe and what the sharpshooter brings to the Pistons’ rotation. They also analyze the free-agent additions of John Collins and Kevin Huerter, examining how both veterans fit alongside Cade Cunningham and the rest of Detroit’s young core.

Next, Aaron and Jasper dive into the ongoing contract negotiations between the Pistons and Jalen Duren. Has Trajan Langdon handled the extension talks the right way? Should Detroit lock up its young center now, or is there value in remaining patient? The guys share their perspectives on the negotiations and what a potential deal could look like.

To wrap up the show, Aaron and Jasper preview the upcoming NBA Summer League, highlighting the players they’ll be watching most closely and what Pistons fans should keep an eye on as Detroit’s young talent takes the floor in Las Vegas.

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On this episode of the Palace of Pistons Podcast, Aaron Johnson and Jasper Apollonia break down the latest trade rumors surrounding the Detroit Pistons as the offseason begins to take shape. The guys discuss reported interest in Trey Murphy III, Tyler Herro, and Kyrie Irving, weighing the pros and cons of each potential addition and debating which player would be the best fit alongside Cade Cunningham. They also explore what realistic trade packages Detroit could put together to land one of these impact players.

Later, Aaron and Jasper shift their focus to the 2026 NBA Draft. With the Pistons holding the No. 21 overall pick, the guys analyze several prospects who could be available when Detroit is on the clock, including Isaiah Evans, Bennett Stirtz, and other intriguing options. Which prospects best fit Detroit’s needs, and should the Pistons keep the pick or use it as trade bait? The guys discuss it all on this week’s episode of Palace of Pistons.

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On this episode of the Palace of Pistons Podcast, Aaron Johnson and Jasper Apollonia break down the major honors for Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren after both players earned All-NBA recognition and discuss what the achievement could mean for Duren’s upcoming restricted free agency negotiations. The guys also react to Joe Mazzulla taking home NBA Coach of the Year and debate whether J.B. Bickerstaff was snubbed from winning the award for the second consecutive season.

Later in the show, Aaron and Jasper dive into several critical offseason questions facing the Detroit Pistons. Is this finally the summer Detroit needs to make a major roster move? Should the Pistons remain patient with their young core or aggressively pursue another star? The guys also discuss potential options for the No. 21 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and what direction the front office could take as the franchise looks to build on last season’s progress.

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On this episode of the Palace of Pistons podcast, Aaron Johnson and Jasper Apollonia break down the Detroit Pistons’ disappointing Game 7 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers and discuss what ultimately went wrong in the series. The guys dive into Trajan Langdon’s end-of-season press conference, including his comments on Jalen Duren’s future, the possibility of major offseason roster moves, and Detroit’s long-term vision moving forward. They also explore some blockbuster names they’d love to see the Pistons pursue this summer, including Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, while debating how aggressive Detroit should be in accelerating its rebuild.

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Aaron Johnson and Jasper Apollonia break down the Detroit Pistons’ crushing losses in Games 3, 4, and 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers as Detroit now faces elimination in the series. The guys discuss their growing frustrations with J.B. Bickerstaff, the struggles of Jalen Duren, and the lack of meaningful adjustments from the Pistons coaching staff throughout Cleveland’s comeback. They also analyze what has gone wrong for Detroit on both ends of the floor, debate lineup and rotation changes, and preview a pivotal Game 6 as the Pistons look to keep their season alive and force a Game 7.

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