Good morning Pistons fans, and, well, anyone else that is reading this searching for answers as to why the top seed in the Eastern Conference is on the edge of elimination. There are many, so let’s get into it.

The Orlando Magic, once on the precipice of despair themselves before blowing out the Charlotte Hornets in the Play-In Tournament, are leading the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 3-1 following a 94-88 victory. The series shifts to Michigan now in a do-or-die situation, but the Pistons no longer have home court advantage nor the momentum. Both reside comfortably with the Magic.

Turnover City

There are many reasons why the Pistons trail this series, but a big one is turnovers. Detroit had 16 of them in Game 3, which led to 24 Orlando points. They had 20 turnovers in Game 4, which again resulted in 23 Magic points. Cade Cunningham has 17 of those 36 turnovers, with nine of them in Game 4.

Many of these giveaways have been exceptionally juvenile. The first possession of the game was an entry pass to Jalen Duren that got swiped away very easily, a sign of things to come. Passes going out of bounds, through people’s hands, or in-opportune offensive fouls all resulted in turnovers for the Pistons and stopped any momentum they were able to gather.

Cade has had these issues before, but that is a byproduct of two things: being a high-usage player, and not having a true second high-leverage guy next to him. Aside from Tobias Harris and Ausar Thompson, who have played valiantly, the rest of the team have not pulled their own weight. The margin for error is minuscule, and opposing teams know that. The result? Turnovers.

(Sigh) Jalen Duren

I don’t want to belabor the point about Duren, who continues to be a liability in an alarming way. He was…slightly better in Game 4, to the tune of 12 points and eight rebounds, but also four more turnovers (and a very critical one late in the fourth quarter). There were glimpses of the regular season version of Duren with a few put backs and a mid-range jumper in the first quarter, but nothing that stuck.

Duren attempted eight shots, the same as Duncan Robinson and Ausar Thompson. That is still below what he was averaging in the regular season, and the Pistons desperately need a double-double from their All-Star big.

On a side note, how much money is Duren costing himself? The two sides were unable to come to an agreement on an extension this past offseason, and this playoff performance cannot be helping his case.

Where is the Urgency?

The most damning aspect of all of this is Detroit’s seeming lack of urgency or care given the situation they were in. While trailing in the third and fourth quarter, the Pistons were methodically getting into their sets late, giving the ball away with silly turnovers, and running out lineups that had no chance of generating any offense. The Pistons lost the Cade minutes, something that cannot happen, and were getting beaten down worse with him off.

Both Harris and Bickerstaff talked about the team’s lack of urgency in their post-game press conferences. But talk is cheap. This is the same issue Bickerstaff’s Cleveland Cavaliers teams had in their playoff failures. Talking about toughness, “getting back to what we do”, and lacking energy or urgency when the going gets tough became staples of those teams in the postseason.

Well, the going is tough.

Teams have come back from a 3-1 deficit before, but its far and few between. The Pistons don’t look like a team prepared or capable of doing that.

There is little point in rehashing what Trajan Langdon and the front office could have done at the deadline to plug the obvious holes in this roster, because what’s done is done. Let's see what this Detroit team has with their backs against the wall and the crowd behind them.

Good morning Pistons fans, and welcome back to another playoff edition of the Weekly Drive. We have much to discuss, so pop an antacid and let’s get into it.

Remember just a few days ago when I said the Pistons had only a little bit to be concerned about? The team responded by thrashing the Orlando Magic in Game 2, tying the series up at one game a piece. I thought that would grease the wheels, so to speak, for a continued beat down of an inferior Magic squad.

Then Saturday afternoon happened.

The Pistons couldn’t get out of their own way in Game 3, losing to Orlando 113-105. The loss hurts a little extra given they mounted a huge comeback in the fourth quarter, briefly took the lead, and then never scored again. It was an incredibly deflating game from beginning to end, and one that has rightfully caused some panic in Detroit. None larger than the sudden collapse of their All-Star center.

Where is Jalen Duren?

There was concern after Game 1 about Duren, but it was somewhat brushed over as an anomaly. The Game 2 win masked what was another bad showing. But Game 3 was rock bottom, and it was pretty bad. So much so that J.B. Bickerstaff benched him for nine minutes in the third quarter (and a few more into the fourth) because he was actively hurting the team.

Let that sink in for a moment: Detroit’s All-Star center, and second-best player this past season, was unplayable yesterday.

Duren has almost as many turnovers (8) as shots made (10) in this series. He is shooting well under 50% from the floor, and hasn’t scooped up double digit rebounds in a game yet. Orlando is crowding the paint and taking away the two-man game with Cade Cunningham, which has really hurt Detroit’s offense. Nothing seems easy for anyone, but especially Duren. It is a mix of lost confidence and a tough matchup against an opponent that doesn’t back down to physicality.

There is really no way around it: the Pistons need Duren to be better, and quickly. He has to return to form for Game 4, or this series is going to head back to Detroit for a perilous Game 5.

Rotation Fluctuation

Bickerstaff is in a tough spot. With Duren fighting off the demons, the NBA’s Coach of the Year finalist has had to find offense from somewhere else - and that has been difficult to come by. Daniss Jenkins and Caris LeVert have not provided much. Kevin Huerter and Duncan Robinson are more three-point decoy than threat. Javonte Green led the bench in minutes yesterday, and was not very effective. Isaiah Stewart has not been as impactful, and Ron Holland is out of the rotation.

That leaves Tobias Harris and Ausar Thompson as the two best running mates for Cunningham. Thompson played his best game of the series in Game 3, and Harris was integral to making the comeback late in the fourth quarter. Without those two, the Pistons would have lost by much more.

Somebody else has to step up off the bench, and Bickerstaff’s options are running dry. They need LeVert or Jenkins to start hitting some shots, or Stewart to start bullying his way to some hustle points and rebounds. Green was unplayable for the Cleveland in last year’s playoffs, and to have him lead the bench in minutes is a huge indictment on Detroit’s depth.

As it stands, Bickerstaff hasn’t pulled the right levers either. He started the fourth quarter with a lineup of Jenkins, Robinson, Thompson, Green, and Stewart. That particular group played eight (8) minutes in the regular season and had a +/- of -78.6. Needless to say it did not work yesterday either.

Identity Crisis

The long and short of it is Detroit doesn’t look like the top seed in the conference. In fact, they are lacking in nearly all of the key areas that made them the best in East during the regular season.

They are losing the rebounding battle almost routinely. Cunningham had nine turnovers, the last one a microcosm of the game itself where he tripped and lost the ball with under a minute left (which led to a Franz Wagner three). The team defense, which was among the league leaders, looks like it comes in spurts as opposed to a consistent wave. The offense is automatically stuck in the mud if the two-man game of Cunningham and Duren is stymied, which it has been.

The playoffs have a way of forcing teams out of their comfort zone, and Detroit is seeing that first hand. There doesn’t seem to be a “Plan B” when “Plan A isn’t working, and the Magic are exposing that. The Pistons do need to be better in general, but they also have to adapt to what Orlando is showing. Game 4 will be very telling where things stand with this team, one with such promise and vigor, and if they want to roll over or punch back.

Good morning Pistons fans, and welcome back to the Weekly Drive. It’s been a hot minute since the last article, but I thought it made sense to check back in amidst a stressful moment in the season.

Detroit was shocked at home in Game 1 against the Orlando Magic, a team that had incredibly poor vibes for the last two weeks as they slumped into the Play-In Tournament. The Pistons never led at any point in the game, getting as close as 65-65 in the third quarter. It was a disappointing loss, and it highlighted the reasons the national media raised an eyebrow at Detroit making a deep playoff run.

Let’s be clear, this is a flawed basketball team. The lack of secondary playmakers and scoring options was on full display, as Cade Cunningham led the team with 39 points while everyone else put up 62 combined. But its the other issues popping up that are even more discouraging, as they were mostly not seen throughout the regular season.

What Happened to Jalen Duren?

The second-best player on the Pistons needs more shot attempts, plain and simple. Cunningham will take the most, and he should, but Duren took just four of them. That is less than Ausar Thompson and Daniss Jenkins, and eight fewer than his average per game post All-Star Break. Incorporating Duren into the bully ball offense is an essential component to how the Pistons pulverized opponents in the regular season. Detroit cannot abandon what has made them, and Duren, so good this season.

Wendell Carter Jr. outplayed Duren to the tune of 17 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. The Magic were a +20 when he was on the floor, and that backs up the eye test. The Pistons were a -21 in Duren’s minutes, which also aligns with what we saw in Game 1. That level of disparity is not sustainable if the Pistons want escape the first round for the first time since the Bush Administration.

More paint touches for Duren is the minimum at this point, and ideally that gets him going on both ends of the floor. Orlando attacked the paint and generated about half of their points from that area in Game 1. The Magic are not a very good offensive team in general, but they are happy to attack the paint and generate free throw attempts.

The Pistons need more out Duren, bottom line.

Relying on Daniss Jenkins

No doubt that the emergence of Jenkins as the team’s backup point guard has been a godsend for the Pistons. Coming into the season it seemed like they were going to use LeVert, Marcus Sasser, and Jaden Ivey as its potential backup ball handlers. We had our worries about that in our season preview edition of the Palace of Pistons Podcast, but Jenkins is a good development for the long term. It’s the short term that is troubling.

Jenkins played pretty poorly in Game 1, going 1-7 from the floor and he was a team-worst -11 in his 22 minutes. He looked outmatched, in part because Orlando’s backcourt defense was very active all night. Nevertheless, the Pistons will need a better game from Jenkins in Game 2. It is fair to wonder if the moment is too big for him at this juncture of his career and if the coaching staff has a shorter leash. But this gets to one of those scary realties of this Pistons team.

Relying on Jenkins to this degree is a risky gamble. He is a good story, and by all means a good player, but the playoffs are a different animal. The alternatives are not too enticing, but they may opt to give the veteran LeVert a few extra minutes if Jenkins starts off poorly again. J.B. Bickerstaff has also toyed with LeVert as a point guard from their time in Cleveland, and there is already an established level of trust. There is risk there too, a pick-your-poison type of decision, and certainly something worth monitoring in Game 2 and beyond.

Tighten the Rotations

Speaking of Bickerstaff, he played an 11-man rotation in Game 1, a puzzling decision to say the least. Typically, playoff rotations shorten to eight or nine players to keep the best guys out there as much as possible. There is nothing to say that Bickerstaff won’t make that adjustment for Game 2, but as someone who also covered the Cleveland Cavaliers, I have seen this story play out.

LeVert and Javonte Green had four minutes of court time each, and were largely doing cardio out there. Ron Holland had 10 ineffective minutes. There needs to be a little tightening of the rotations, with a few more minutes going to Huerter and Stewart. Those guys have tangible value both with and without the ball in their hands, and their size and physicality will be necessary against an Orlando team that is up for a fight.

Stewart’s 18 minutes in Game 1 is exactly four below is season average. Taking Green’s minutes and giving them to the energetic Stewart makes plenty of sense. Holland may also see his court time reduced after his Game 1 showing, and giving them to Huerter provides the offense a little more room to breathe. You lose Holland’s defensive energy and athleticism, but it may be worth the risk to space the offense out. Neither team shot the ball well from deep in Game 1, but every advantage counts.

Bickerstaff’s rotations are not all to blame for the loss, but I think it does need a tweak to get the best players more touches and court time. This isn’t the regular season, the playoffs are all about adjustments and matchups. It is time to adjust.

Good morning Pistons fans, and welcome back to the Weekly Drive. The Pistons are guaranteed to make the Play-In Tournament, and all but certain to be a top-three seed in the Eastern Conference. Yes, Detroit will have at least one (and more than likely several, if not all) series with home court advantage.

Time for some playoff planning. Lets get into it.

The Closest Competition

While the bottom of the Eastern Conference playoff picture is in constant flux, the top is less so. The Pistons are the top seed and, barring a catastrophic injury, are more than likely will keep it. Detroit has enough of a lead on New York, Cleveland, and Boston to maintain the top spot.

I would be surprised if a team caught Detroit and overtook them for the number one seed. Even with suspensions for Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, coupled with some rest for Cade Cunningham here and there, the Pistons have shown they are good enough to win games even while missing key players. There is no reason to believe that will suddenly stop being the case, especially with more teams tanki…err…strategically not winning games.

Possible First-Round Matchups

Miami Heat

If the season ended today, Detroit would (probably) be playing Miami in the first round. The Heat have the reputation of being an annoying team to play against with several playoff-tested players and arguably the best coach in the league in Erik Spoelstra. Tyler Herro has been a certified Piston-killer, but he has spent most of the season injured. The two squads have split the season series (both three-point wins for each team) and have one more game on March 8th.

The Heat have the fifth-best defense in the NBA right now and live in the paint on offense behind a two-big lineup with Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware. But their best lineups are actually a one-big lineup with either Andrew Wiggins or Simone Fontecchio (remember him?) at power forward and Adebayo at center. Not exactly scary, even when running things optimally.

Miami are on pace to play against the top seed for the second-straight year, and were crushed last season despite having the same “always tough” moniker. The Pistons are deeper and have the best player in the series by a considerable margin.

What to Watch for: Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart against Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware

Charlotte Hornets

Given the recent fight that resulted in four players being suspended, there is clearly some bad blood between these two teams. That being said, I am all-in on this as being the most fun potential first-round series in the league.

The Hornets have the reputation of being a bad team, and their record is not tremendous, but they are a very fun group. LaMelo Ball may be empty-stats at times, but his playmaking and crafty ball-handling could swing a game. Brandon Miller, another certified Piston-killer, is growing more and more confident. Kon Kneuppel is on pace to smash rookie three-point shooting records. I could see a feisty, all-or-nothing Hornets team make the Pistons sweat a bit. But not enough to win the series.

What to Watch for: Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart against Moussa Diabate and Miles Bridges

Atlanta Hawks

The darling of the NBA offseason for the acquisitions of Nikeil Alexander-Walker and Kristaps Porzingis has endured a tough season, and proceeded to get more and more weird after trading Trae Young for C.J. McCollum and Corey Kispert. Jalen Johnson is perhaps the most underrated star in the league, a triple-double machine who operates as the team’s offensive hub. But there are some real concerns with their offense without a true table-setting point guard like Young, but the Hawks have been a much better defensive team with him not on the floor. Give and take deal there.

Detroit should win a series against the Hawks, and fairly easily at that. But there is enough defensive firepower and Jalen Johnson star potential for Atlanta to win a game.

What to Watch for: Cade Cunningham against Dyson Daniels

Orlando Magic

The other trendy playoff pick this past summer is also enduring a tough season. That doesn’t mean the Magic are going to be a pushover come playoff time, but their offense is the bottom-third of the league and their three-point shooting is third-worst. In fact, look at any offensive metric and the Magic are more than likely near the bottom of the NBA in it.

Orlando’s acquisition of Desmond Bane (yet another Piston-killer) has not panned out, but I suppose that could change in the playoffs. Bane has been one of the best three-point shooters in the league (not this season, so far) and has enough size to man-up on defense. Anthony Black has turned a corner on both sides of the ball and has a case for Most Improved Player. Franz Wagner is still looking for a playoff cleansing after going 1-15 from the floor two years ago in a winner-take-all against Cleveland.

But the real reason Orlando hasn’t made the expected leap is because Paolo Banchero has not been good enough. He is an inefficient scorer and a bad free throw shooter despite getting to the rim a ton. The Magic have a ceiling high enough to make the Pistons sweat, but their floor is getting emphatically swept in four games.

What to Watch for: Cade Cunningham against Paulo Banchero

Who do you want the Pistons to face in the first round of the playoffs? I don’t think it really matters who they play, but there are some good matchups regardless. The Hornets would be the most fun, but the Magic can cause some problems if they find a way to get healthy and gel together. But, again, the Pistons should maul whoever they play to start the playoffs. Imagine saying that sentence two years ago.

Hey there Pistons fans, and welcome back to the Weekly Drive. It is NBA Trade Deadline week, and that means one thing:

Chaos.

Or, more likely, speculative chaos with a smattering of disappointment and chest-puffing. For the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons…to trade, or not to trade - that is the question. Yes, I did see Hamnet the other day. Why do you ask?

Anyway, lets talk about the Pistons and the trade deadline as well as some targets, potential packages, and the harsh reality that they more than likely aren’t selling the farm. At least not yet.

Michael Porter Jr.

Maybe the most-likely big swing is Michael Porter Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets, who is having himself an excellent season. The former Denver Nugget is averaging 25.2 points per game on 48.5% shooting, including 39.5% from beyond the three-point arc. But there is a caveat: the Nets are hot garbage and don’t have another scorer to take shots away from MPJ, so some of his stats may be slightly inflated. Somebody has to score on that team, and Porter is more than willing to shoot (almost 19 shot attempts per game, easily a career-high).

Porter fits well with a Pistons team that is certainly in need of a secondary scorer behind Cade Cunningham. In a playoff scenario, Detroit could very easily be exposed for not having a release valve if Cunningham gets double-teamed or offense becomes tough to come by. Porter solves that, and defenses cannot sag off of him.

The issues are somewhat significant though, as Tobias Harris may have to go back to Brooklyn in return. That is a tough locker room swap, as Harris is well-respected by the young guns and is a pseudo-coach. The Nets would want a sweetener too, perhaps a few picks and/or one of Jaden Ivey or Ron Holland. This quickly delves into “uh oh” territory for a player in MPJ that has never been this good until now. Nevertheless, this is the kind of swing that does not cripple the asset cupboard nor does it handicap Detroit’s financial health for several years to come.

Chances of happening: Medium

Trey Murphy

Be still my beating heart. Trey Murphy has popped up in trade rumor mills for a few years now, but this time things are getting a little more interesting. The New Orleans Pelicans are being run by two familiar friends (volatile edition) in Troy Weaver and Joe Dumars. Arguably, and objectively, the worst front office in the NBA. Ill say it, sue me.

Murphy fits like a glove on any team, but he is essentially young Klay Thompson with a lethal long-range shot and enough size and athleticism to drive to the rack and defend. His contract is also absurdly good value at $25 million per year for the next four seasons. Sign me up.

Not so fast. Even the Pelicans aren’t that stupid (well, I don’t think they are at least) to let go of their best player without a king’s ransom. No, not the Sacramento Kings who actually just have a random (assortment of players). New Orleans should, and presumably will, ask for the moon for Murphy. I’m talking Ausar Thompson/Holland, Ivey, multiple first round picks and pick swaps plus salary to make things work financially.

That is a tough pill to swallow for a front office that has remained steadfast in “not taking extra steps” in the process. So, given that, I don’t think they will. At least not right now.

Chances of happening: Low

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Nope.

Chances of happening: Nope, but in italics

[Insert Ball-Handler Here]

That was intentional, I didn’t just forget write my player in. There are myriad players that fit that description, so here are a few (but not all possible) names: Coby White (Chicago Bulls), Ayo Dosunmu (also the Bulls), Gabe Vincent (Los Angeles Lakers), and Jose Alvarado (Pelicans).

As my podcast co-host Jasper Apollonia mentioned on last week’s show, White makes a lot of sense as an expiring contract who immediately gives you some juice off the bench. The Pistons can absorb his contract into a trade exception, give the Bulls a pick that they won’t use correctly, and see what happens. White is averaging 18.8 points per game on 45% shooting. Sure!

Dosunmu’s stock is perhaps at an all-time high and is one of the best backup guards in the league right now. The 26-year-old is averaging a career-best 14.8 points per game and shooting 44.1% from deep, the latter being top-10 in the league. Chicago may want to extend Dosunmu, but if the Pistons feel his shooting leap is real, they have plenty of assets to get him. The New York Knicks have reportedly been interested in Dosunmu, but the asking price is, according to the New York Post, “a lot”.

Gabe Vincent is more of a cost-cutting option, as his expiring $11.5 million could open up even more cap space for the Pistons next summer. But he is also the weakest option I listed here, and by a wide margin.

Alvarado is the cheapest option salary-wise and has a player option for just $4.5 million next season too. He is a quality player who finished sixth in the Sixth-Man of the Year award voting just a few seasons ago, but also flawed. Alvarado is on several team’s radars, but it appears he wants to stay with New Orleans. We will see if the Pelicans feel the same.

Will Jaden Ivey Be Traded?

This question is more of theoretical importance than actual importance, as the writing appears on the wall for Jaden Ivey. The front office is not going to give him a significant extension, if they offer him one at all, and his value around the league is not particularly high. Disappointing? Yes. Surprising? No.

I said on the latest Palace of Pistons Podcast that I don’t think Ivey will be traded before the deadline. Its a little contrarian, but the Pistons can sign-and-trade Ivey this summer and give him a fresh start while also making a bigger deal than what they could piece together in the next few days. However, it is probably more likely than not that he is in fact dealt.

There is a universe in which Ivey is the perfect slash-and-dash companion to Cunningham, a speed demon who provides ample rim pressure and collapses defenses while taking over some playmaking duties. But that universe is not this one.

This all seems like a lot, but you know what? The days of boring trade deadlines where the Pistons have to sell their scarce assets and keep the rebuilding movement going are over. Stressful? Yes. ButiIt beats the hell out of “analyzing” cutting Joe Harris and Killian Hayes.

Good morning Pistons fans, and welcome back to the Palace of Pistons Weekly Drive. This is going to be a little different than the usual recaps and news updates of past editions. Instead, I wanted to talk about something that is important to remember amidst this incredible season Detroit is having. There isn’t always next year. Let’s get into it.

On Sunday afternoon, I watched the Buffalo Bills defeat the young, upstart Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs. It was a stinging defeat in which those pesky Jags were leading Josh Allen and the favored Bills with just a few minutes remaining. A last-second interception sealed the deal, a gut-wrenching way for Jacksonville’s season to end. I saw someone on social media tell a Jags fan “hey, you guys have a good young team and there’s always next year.”

That resonated with me, as someone who has heard that phrase a lot over the course of watching, covering, living, and dying with Cleveland sports. “There is always next year.” It is entirely within reason that the Jaguars don’t make the playoffs next season, despite some guy on social media saying otherwise.

I’m here to tell you that there is not always next year in the fast-paced world of professional sports.

Tell that to the Atlanta Hawks, who made their way to the Eastern Conference Finals just a few years ago only to have to trade Trae Young because they failed to get back to that level. It was clear to the front office that the path back to the top could not be done with Young leading the team.

Tell that to the Memphis Grizzlies, once a darling of the Western Conference, who are now listening to offers for another troubling point guard in Ja Morant. Remember, it has not been that long since the NBA saw Morant as one of the future faces of the league. That is not the case any more.

Tell that to those plucky Cleveland Cavaliers, who have seemingly been waiting to break through for four years in a row now. And this year doesn’t look any better than the last ones, despite being the most expensive team in the NBA. They are running out of time, and quickly.

What does this have to do with the Detroit Pistons?

This isn’t a warning. Its more of a reminder that there are curveballs in the NBA, perhaps more than most other professional leagues, that change everything. Trades alter the landscape in ways that make baseball and football look pedestrian, seismic shifts that twist the league in new and different ways. Injuries have completely flipped the Eastern Conference on its head, led by Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton. Its a brave new world, seemingly every season.

The Pistons are having a charmed year, one that very few people could have predicted. Even the most optimistic Pistons fan could not have predicted two years ago that heading into 2026 Detroit would be first in the conference and a defensive juggernaut. And yet here we are.

I don’t like the phrase, “there’s always next year’. Because, while true, its also not true at all when you get right down to it. Its a coping mechanism for loss, sadness, and a desperate pull for optimism. That doesn’t mean teams should burn their resources and assets each and every season, but its important to recognize when the time is right to strike.

This will come to a head with the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching, and the Pistons will be one of the intriguing teams to watch. They have a decision to make: go all-in on this season, or stay the course with what has been working. Its hard to argue with the results so far, but its fair to question the playoff feasibility of a team that is entirely predicated on Cade Cunningham. The playoffs are a different ballgame, a turn-based joust of matchups and schemes. Players get exposed, picked on, and sometimes downright played off the court and never heard from again in a series. Do the Pistons have enough pieces to play with when the game gets more challenging?

Whether you believe they do or not, know that this team is playoff bound. They have the moxie, energy, and seemingly unwavering confidence to figure out how to win. There is a real opportunity for them to have a special season.

Enjoy it. Savor it. Cheer for it, and see it in person if you can.

There isn’t always next year.

This increased attention has led to more narratives surrounding what was a cellar-dwelling franchise not long ago. While Cade Cunningham’s MVP candidacy and Jalen Duren’s rise to stardom have been the most prominent talking points, Detroit has also been named as a potential landing spot for several high-end talents.

It’s not always easy to decipher truthful dialogue from hyperbole, especially when a team is riding its highest in 20 years. But considering the sheer amount of storylines that have followed the Pistons so far, both with the roster they already have and what it could potentially become, there’s bound to be talking points that stick out.

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I’ll be taking a look at a few of these storylines, buying or selling their legitimacy in the format of Bleacher Report’s beloved “BS Meter”. The higher the number, the farther the scenario is from reality.

Scenario: Pistons Trade for Jazz All-Star Lauri Markkanen

Lacking adequate spacing and consistent scoring alongside Cunningham, the Pistons have arguably been linked to Lauri Markkanen more than any other squad throughout the past month.

The ninth-year forward has been a revelation for an otherwise pitiful Jazz team over the last four seasons. With a seven-foot frame and the ability to score from anywhere on the court, Markkanen’s offensive gifts would be an uber-useful addition. However, noted swindler Danny Ainge and the Jazz are seemingly asking for more than any rival franchise is willing to pay.

Markkanen would immediately become Detroit’s second-best player, but he’s far from a perfect player. His defensive deficiencies are very real, and for a team that prides itself so much on defense, the Pistons’ identity would take a hit. A trade would also cost them either Ausar Thompson or Ron Holland, along with salary filler and several first-round picks.

Knowing how much Trajan Langdon and JB Bickerstaff value their young core, it’s hard to see the Pistons give up that much for a one-time All-Star with clear flaws.

BS Meter: 8/10. Would be shocked, but crazier things have happened.

Scenario: Cade Cunningham Wins NBA MVP

Let’s see: Second-best record in the NBA? Check. Increased numbers across the board, averaging 27.5 points, 9.3 assists and 6.4 rebounds with underrated defense? Check. Outside of his concerning three-point efficiency, Cade Cunningham has managed to build upon everything he accomplished in 2023-24.

Detroit holds a 2.5-game lead over the New York Knicks in the East. In his fifth season, Cunningham has firmly cemented his case as possibly the top player in the conference, with the best chances of winning MVP to boot.

The Western Conference is a different story, however. Nearly a third of the way into the season, the Pistons trail only the Oklahoma City Thunder for the best record in the association. Led by Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, whose stats are nearly identical to his MVP campaign last year, the Thunder have an opportunity to make history at 23-1. If OKC manages to crack 70 wins, it’ll be hard to argue against back-to-back.

Meanwhile, Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic are doing what they usually do for the West’s second and third-best teams, respectively. Cade is winning while doing it all for the Pistons, but so are several others.

BS Meter: 5/10. Will need SGA, Jokic, and Doncic to slow down to finish in the top three.

Scenario: Pistons Trade for Mavs’ Anthony Davis

After entering the new season with playoff aspirations, the Dallas Mavericks have already gone into full-on panic mode. Kyrie Irving still hasn’t returned, Klay Thompson looks like a shell of his former self, and top pick Cooper Flagg isn’t quite ready to lead the way. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis has suited up for just 10 games in what has already been an injury-riddled campaign in the early going.

Considering his inability to stay on the court throughout the majority of the last five years, it comes as little surprise that the future Hall of Famer is a featured name on the trade block. The Pistons, along with the Hawks and Raptors, were named as top suitors for his services, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

AD’s effectiveness on both sides of the ball is undeniable, but it’s understandable why most teams wouldn’t want to risk a move for him. If Dallas even asks for half of what they gave up for Davis, the Pistons should hang up right away.

With his value reportedly in the gutter, though, Detroit may consider a low-risk, high-reward transaction. If Davis is even able to suit up for 50 games, a trade could be worth it.

BS Meter: 3/10. Detroit shouldn’t be dealing any long-term pieces for Davis, but he could help propel the Pistons to championship contention.

Even throughout a historic start to the 2025-26 season for the Detroit Pistons, including a franchise-record-tying 13-game winning streak, one constant thought bubble hangs over one of the NBA’s best teams through the first month of the season:

Who will Detroit go star-hunting for this year?

At 17-4, the Pistons are the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. They lost just two games in the month of November, and only the Oklahoma City Thunder have won more games than Detroit.

But the talk surrounding the Pistons so far this year is not just about the success the team has had on the court. Instead, speculation has run rampant that they are a prime candidate to go in-season star hunting before the trade deadline.

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Whether it is Lauri Markkanen or Anthony Davis, league pundits believe that the Pistons could and/or should go big-game hunting to pair another star alongside the reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Month, Cade Cunningham.

The price to acquire a star-level player in today’s league is almost always steep, except if you are the Los Angeles Lakers trading for Luka Doncic. When it comes to making a move for the likes of Markkanen, Davis, or another star near or around their caliber, it will cost the Pistons a multitude of their best assets to complete such a move.

While the Pistons would likely balk at almost any deal that would require one of Jalen Duren or Ausar Thompson, and of course Cunningham, to be traded away, the team does have assets it could package to make a significant impact in the trade market.

The team’s remaining best assets include:

• Tobias Harris

• Jaden Ivey

• Ron Holland

• Isaiah Stewart

• First-round draft picks

Would it make sense for the Pistons to part with two or three of their top player assets, as well as several first-round picks, to make a big move before the deadline?

While there are clear benefits to acquiring an All-Star-level player, the risks have to be considered as well. In any type of deal for a star, the team that acquires the premier player is sending out a package of several top assets.

Yet one of Detroit’s best qualities is its depth. It has played a crucial role in the team’s success this year. With extended absences from Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, and Isaiah Stewart, players such as Daniss Jenkins, Chaz Lanier, and Paul Reed have stepped up when called upon. The Pistons have won several games this year in which Cunningham, Ivey, Thompson, Harris, and Duren all did not play.

Does sacrificing youth, draft capital, depth, and financial flexibility make sense for a team that is performing as well as Detroit has?

That is a significant equation that Trajan Langdon and the rest of Detroit’s front office will have to ponder over the coming months. The NBA trade deadline is not until February. The Pistons will play many more games before the front office has to make a decision either way.

It may make more sense for the Pistons to let this season play out, continuing to examine how their young core develops alongside one another. Allowing the nucleus of the team to endure another playoff run together could do wonders for long-term success and sustainability.

Or perhaps the Pistons should trade for Lauri Markkanen, Anthony Davis, or another star-level player who becomes available in the market. Those opportunities are not always out there.

That being said, it is not a decision for you or me to make. What do you think the Pistons should do?

Good morning Pistons fans, and welcome to the first (and very seldomly-posted) Mid-Weekly Drive. Before we get into this special edition, I hope you and yours have a happy Thanksgiving. There’s a lot to be thankful for as a Pistons fan, but in case the food coma is making it a little hard to think, here are a few reminders:

Cade Cunningham

This list must start with the obvious, and that is Cade Cunningham. Not too many teams in the NBA have the luxury of rostering a top-15 player in the league, but the Pistons do. Add in that he is just 24-years-old and there is a lot to be thankful for.

Cunningham is averaging 28.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game - all of which are career-bests. He has cut his turnovers dramatically, now in the top 30% of the league per Cleaning the Glass. Scroll up and down the Pistons’ PR Twitter/X account and you’ll find ridiculous stat lines that have only been achieved by a handful of people in league history.

• Six-straight games with 25 points and ten assists? Oscar Robertson, Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Nate Archibald…and Cade.

• First player in NBA history with 30 points, ten assists, three steals, three blocks, and zero turnovers in a game.

• On pace to be the seventh player in league history to average at least 27 points, five rebounds, and nine assists per game, joining Robertson, Doncic, Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook.

I won’t even bother trying to list off the organizational records he is shattering, but there are many of them.

Don’t take for granted what Cunningham has become and what his ceiling may be. He is more than a good young player, but a bonafide star that is worth the price of admission.

Not Giving Up on Jalen Duren

Loyal listeners to the Palace of Pistons Podcast will know that we were not high on Jalen Duren this time last year, as he was looking more like Onyeka Okongwu than Bam Adebayo. He looked limited as an offensive weapon, inconsistent as a defender, and concerns about some foot injuries.

But in the second half of last season there were encouraging signs that Duren had figured it out. Now we know that those indications have led to vindications.

Duren has become not just one of the best young centers in the NBA, but at his position outright. The issues with him on offense have been largely rectified, as Duren has improved his efficiency around the rim and short range dramatically. He has a few post moves, good body positioning to snag offensive rebounds (4.4 per game), and continues to be an elite roll man for Cunningham. The Pistons’ offense is in the 91st percentile with Duren on the floor, per Cleaning the Glass.

The Pistons’ defense as a whole has been very good this season, but Duren is the anchor in the middle that glues everything together. The counting stats don’t tell the whole story, as teams are far less willing to drive to the hoop when Duren is on the floor. Can’t accumulate blocks when players don’t attempt shots on you.

Be thankful the coaching staff never wavered on Duren, but that he himself has taken that next step. There is a case to be made that he is the second-best player on the team right now, and for the immediate future.

Good Locker Room Vibes

It used to be harder to quantify how important this is to a team’s total makeup, but take a look around the league. No, take a good, hard look across the league.

Memphis is perhaps at the bottom of the vibe barrel with Ja Morant very vocally unhappy. Dallas, finally realizing trading their best player to the most annoying organization in the league was a bad idea, are on the verge of total implosion. Golden State is trying to wedge a window open that has no glass. Philadelphia should just rename themselves after the Red Cross. The Clippers are geriatric, at best. Is it even worth mentioning the Nets, Wizards, and Pacers - who have a combined seven wins?

Aside from the reigning champs in Oklahoma City, there is a case to be made that the Pistons have the best vibes in the league. Remember two years ago when they had inarguably the worst? Winning heals everything, even 28-game losing streaks.

The Weak Eastern Conference

As the title says, the Pistons have the privilege of playing the majority of their games in a conference that has some of the worst teams in the league. As such, the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks are not exactly lighting the world on fire either. Orlando and Atlanta, the darlings of the offseason, are off to slow-ish starts as well and show plenty of cracks in their armor.

The Pistons are on pace for around 50 wins, per FanDuel. That puts them firmly in the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference, and the expectation should be that they get to the second round of the playoffs. Be thankful that the road to that goal is well-paved and manicured.

You, the Fans

Sappy? Maybe, but it’s true. Ask anyone in the organization what they are thankful for, whether they play on the court or work at a desk, and they will surely say the fans.

And that goes double for us, especially those that listen or watch the podcast, read these articles, or interact with us on social media. It all means a lot and still feels a little surreal to me when someone tells me they loved the show - or call me an idiot in the YouTube comments. I appreciate it the same. Well, almost the same.

Thanks for checking in to the Weekly Drive in-between courses, desserts, or football games. I’ll speak for my two podcast co-hosts when I say this: have a Happy Thanksgiving, and go Pistons.

See you next week.

Mike

Have the Pistons still not lost since the last Weekly Drive? No? Am I reading that correct?

And, again, still not. Detroit now has a 14-game winning streak, retains first place in the Eastern Conference, and just got Jaden Ivey back.

Game Recaps

Game 15: Detroit 120, Atlanta 112

Rapid Reaction: In the second game of a back-to-back, where many teams look a little staggered, the Pistons came out and were the opposite. Cade Cunningham had another 25-point double-double with 10 assists, Jalen Duren added 24, and Detroit never relinquished the lead once.

Game 16: Detroit 129, Milwaukee 116

Rapid Reaction: Take this one with a grain of salt given the Bucks did not have Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the Pistons not only won the game, but never trailed after midway through the second quarter. Can we talk about Duncan Robinson real quick? This was his seventh straight game with double-digit points and in that span he has shot 49% from the floor and 48% from three-point territory. He doesn’t get the shine, but Robinson has quietly been integral to the offense.

We talked about the win streak, Jalen Duren making his case to be the best center in the Eastern Conference, and the rotation going forward.

Jaden Ivey Returns

Yes, its true. Nearly one year since breaking his leg against the Orlando Magic (and then arthroscopic knee surgery in September), Jaden Ivey returned to an NBA court Saturday night against the Bucks. He looked a little rusty, as expected, but played 15 minutes and scored 10 points on 4/6 shooting.

The 23-year-old is grateful to be back, and so are his teammates.

No use in trying to dig in to those minutes any more than this: its nice to see Ivey healthy and back out on the court. Once he returns to game speed and is playing in high-leverage situations with Cunningham, then we can evaluate how things look. Until then, here are all six of Ivey’s shot attempts.

Oh, and Tobias Harris also returned to action Saturday night. He scored 18 points, remaining the high-floor good-vibes guy that the Pistons have relied on.

Do the Pistons Have Too Many Good Players?

No lol.

Ok, here is an actual answer. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said after Saturday night’s win over the Bucks that he will be sticking with a 12-man rotation. Now for the relatively initiated, that is…not usual. Most teams go with a much shorter rotation, though most teams do not have the unique depth that the Pistons have right now.

Ivey and Tobias Harris are on minutes restrictions for the time being, but that will cease eventually. That will tighten the rotation slightly, but then there is the issue of Daniss Jenkins who is…too good to be on a two-way contract. The Pistons will have to convert him to a standard contract, which our own Aaron Johnson wrote about here, but there are mechanisms to make that happen pretty painlessly.

Long story short: No, the Pistons don’t have too many good players. But they do have a few things to consider as the season goes on.

The Pistons play woeful Indiana, but then have a big NBA Cup matchup against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night followed by a rematch with the Orlando Magic on Black Friday. Does the streak continue? One way to find out, and no matter what we will talk about it next Monday.

See you next week, and have a happy Thanksgiving.

Mike

The Detroit Pistons may have found a diamond in the rough.

Daniss Jenkins, an undrafted guard out of St. John’s, is making quite an impression for the red-hot Detroit Pistons.

Vaulted into Detroit’s rotation after injuries ravaged the roster over the last few weeks, Jenkins has emerged as a valuable piece for a team desperate for depth at the guard spot.

Jenkins’ last four games:
• 24 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists
• 18 points, 12 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
• 19 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds
• 14 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals

Without Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Marcus Sasser, and Ausar Thompson, the Pistons have been incredibly thin on ball-handlers and offensive initiators.

Jenkins has stepped up and played a crucial role for Detroit during this stretch.

His performance has been so significant that he was even nominated for the Eastern Conference Player of the Week award. Jalen Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks ultimately won the honor.

The crazy part?

Jenkins is only on a two-way contract. The Pistons opted against giving him a standard deal this offseason, even after a promising rookie year spent largely in the G League and a strong showing in Summer League.

He will almost certainly be converted to a standard NBA contract at some point, but the Pistons currently do not have an open roster spot.

A two-way player is only eligible to appear in 50 regular-season games with their NBA team and is not postseason eligible.

Jenkins is proving not only that he belongs on an NBA roster, but that he deserves an every-night rotation spot as well. His skill set, positional flexibility, and on-court demeanor are all significantly valuable attributes to the current best team in the East.

“I’m just trying to find my way,” Jenkins said after his 19-point, 8-assist performance against the 76ers on Friday night. “That’s all I’m trying to do. I’m just trying to keep going and showing what I’ve been knowing I’m capable of. Like I said, God’s just shining that light on me and I just gotta believe in me.”

Jenkins should have all the belief and confidence in the world right now. He’s creating new believers in droves with each and every performance.

The Pistons certainly believe in him. Even after Cunningham returned from a three-game absence on Tuesday night, Jenkins remained alongside him in the starting lineup.

As Detroit continues to get healthier — Cunningham and Thompson have returned, and Jaden Ivey has begun practicing again — Jenkins will have his work cut out for him to maintain a rotation spot.

But the fact that he’s even in the conversation for minutes among those players shows the type of leap he has seemingly made.

There’s no ignoring the obvious anymore.

Daniss Jenkins has arrived, and he’s here to stay.

The Pistons are just lucky to be the team that found him.

Have the Pistons lost since the last Weekly Drive? No? Am I reading that correct?

Yes, I am.

Oh, and good afternoon. Let’s get into how the Eastern Conference’s leading team remained in that place for another full week.

Game Recaps

Game 11: Washington 135, Detroit 137

Rapid Reaction: Daniss Jenkins, take a bow. While Cade Cunningham had a monster game (46 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, five steals), Jenkins (24 points) hit a game-tying three to force overtime. The Pistons seemed dead in the water, trailing by nine points with just over four minutes to go. And then, they weren’t.

Game 12: Chicago 113, Detroit 124

Rapid Reaction: Paul Reed, take a bow. The Pistons were undermanned, missing Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris, and Ausar Thompson, but still found a way to win. Reed (28 points, 13 rebounds) and Jenkins (18 points, 12 assists) paced Detroit, but Duncan Robinson (23 points) has slowly found his rhythm too.

Game 13: Philadelphia 105, Detroit 114

Rapid Reaction: Inarguably the best win of the season so far, with several Pistons backups stepping up in big ways. Javonte Green had 21 points, Jenkins scored 19, and Caris LeVert added 14 on a very efficient shooting performance. A total team effort, and another NBA Cup victory.

Game 14: Indiana 112, Detroit 127

Rapid Reaction: Make it ten in a row for the Pistons, their longest winning streak since 2008. Jalen Duren had a huge game (31 points, 15 rebounds) and should firmly be in the driver’s seat for Most Improved Player of the Year, Jenkins added 23 points and should have his two-way converted to a standard contract, and Green continues to be an asset (20 points). The Pacers are terrible this season, which is why it should not be surprising that Detroit won, but its how they won.

The Jaden Ivey Update

The moment we have been waiting for: an update from the Pistons on Jaden Ivey. The team announced that Ivey has been assigned to the Motor City Cruise (G League affiliate of the Pistons) as he continues to his return to play process.

That’s a huge step for Ivey, who had surgery on his knee just prior to the start of the season. A few days ago he was on the court getting some shots up, so this update is not too terribly surprising. Its not clear if Ivey is going to be playing in any G League games, but he will at least be with the team practicing and getting up to game speed. While the Pistons have looked exceptional even without the former fifth-overall pick, the team could certainly use his playmaking and speed to help keep opposing offenses on high(er) alert.

News and Notes

• The legend of Daniss Jenkins got some national attention, as he was nominated for NBA Player of the Week last week. His teammate got it the week before, you may have heard of him.

• Cade is getting a signature shoe from Nike, due for release in 2027. Oh, and he also is really glad he didn’t get drafted to Cleveland.

• Just after the release of last Monday’s Weekly Drive, the Pistons announced they signed Wendell Moore Jr. to a two-way contract and waived Colby Jones.

How far can this winning streak stretch? The Pistons’ next game, tonight against Atlanta, will be a challenging one even without Trae Young. Its a second half of a back-to-back, the Hawks have a budding star in Jalen Johnson, and are playing solid basketball as well. Let’s see what happens as the Pistons face a smidge of adversity.

See you all next week.

Mike

Good morning Pistons fans, thanks for checking back in to the Weekly Drive. Who is that at the top of the Eastern Conference?

Oh right, its Detroit. Let’s review how they got there.

Game Recaps

Game 8: Utah 103, Detroit 114

Rapid Reaction: Cade Cunningham scored 31 points, Jalen Duren had 22 points and 22 rebounds, and the Pistons took care of business against a team they should beat. And they did, with minimal effort. Former Piston Svi Mykhailiuk had a career-high 28 points to lead Utah.

Game 9: Detroit 125, Brooklyn 107

Rapid Reaction: A beat down, plain and simple. The Nets are, almost inarguably, the worst team in the NBA. The only issue, I guess, is that the Pistons continued to lose first quarters - this one 29-27. It didn’t matter, but it’s a trend that you would like to see end. Aaron Johnson wrote about here.

Game: 10: Detroit 111, Philadelphia 108

Rapid Reaction: Make it six in a row, as the Pistons defeated the Sixers to cap off a perfect week. Cade, who scored 24 of his 26 points in the second half, sent former Piston Andre Drummond (who started in place of Joel Embiid) to the nether realm with an emphatic dunk late in the fourth quarter. This was an impressive win for a Pistons team that was not really challenged in the two games prior, but fought hard down the stretch in a way that I am not sure they would have been able to do last season.

Jaden Ivey Update Coming Soon?

Its about that time, if the original timeline is to be trusted. The Pistons last issued an update on October 16th that Ivey would be reevaluated in four weeks after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. Since then, it has been very quiet on the Ivey front.

No doubt that the Pistons would benefit from Ivey, but given the fact there hasn’t been much news on his status, it is fair to question how soon he would be able to help.

News and Notes

• Marcus Sasser will be reevaluated in four weeks with the hip impingement injury, per a team press release. The injury has kept Sasser out for the entire season.

• The Pistons claimed Sacramento Kings center Isaac Jones off of waivers according to ESPN Shams Charania. Jones now occupies the 15th spot on the roster, but of course could be waived or moved if somebody else became available.

• Malik Beasley continues to be very pro-Pistons on social media, begging the question: is he nearing a return to the Detroit roster?

Remember last week when I said there should be reasonable expectation that the Pistons be 8-2 by the next Weekly Drive? Well here we are at that next Weekly Drive, and Detroit sits atop the Eastern Conference at 8-2. What will there record be in another seven days?

See you all next week.

Mike

The Detroit Pistons have a problem.

Despite a strong 5-2 start to the 2025-26 NBA campaign, there is a glaring issue that stands out on a nightly basis when watching these Pistons. And no, it is not the lack of 3-point shooting.

Well… that is a problem, but not the one I am referring to.

A major issue for Detroit is how the team starts games. The Pistons are the not-so-proud owners of the second worst first quarter plus/minus in the league. Only the 0-7 Brooklyn Nets perform worse in the opening frame.

In fact, the Pistons had not won a single first quarter this season up until Monday night against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Detroit’s starting lineup has struggled to start games off on the right note, particularly on the offensive end. The Pistons average just 26.7 points in the first quarter, the third fewest in the NBA. The two teams worse than them? The Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans — who are a combined 1-12.

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The Portland Trail Blazers are the only other above .500 team with a bottom-10 first quarter plus/minus.

Now, this is not the starting lineup that Detroit intended to start the season with — a point to keep in mind as we dive into this issue. Jaden Ivey should be starting alongside Cade Cunningham in the backcourt.

That being said, some speculated in the offseason that Duncan Robinson would be a better fit than Ivey in the starting lineup due to his more natural floor spacing ability and gravity.

In 6 games, Detroit’s starting lineup has a -32.7 net rating in the first quarter.

So far, the starting five has proven to be an offensively-challenged group out of the gate. For reference, this unit has just a 48.6 true shooting percentage.

The Pistons’ first quarter performance improved dramatically once J.B. Bickerstaff’s first substitutions enter the game. When Isaiah Stewart and Ron Holland replace Ausar Thompson and Tobias Harris — a sub pattern that J.B. Bickerstaff has leveraged on several occasions — that lineup’s net rating improves to +61.0.

Injuries have bothered Detroit in this early segment of the season. Besides missing Ivey, Marcus Sasser has yet to play this year. While I have certainly had my critiques of Sasser in the past, I do feel his ball-handling and shooting could benefit this iteration of a team that is sorely lacking in both areas. Caris LeVert is also still being integrated in the rotation, as he has missed three games this year as well.

By no means is it time to hit the panic button. Yet again, Detroit IS 5-2 despite this glaring issue.

But it is something to monitor.

Being as bad of a first quarter team as Detroit is just is not sustainable — at least if the Pistons intend to keep winning games at the rate they have this year.

As more games go by, as players return to the fold, and as the team’s offseason acquisitions become more acclimated within Bickerstaff’s system, the hope would be that the team’s first quarter performance improves.

And if it doesn’t?

Then changes will have to be made.

But Detroit should not be in any sort of rush to force major changes to the starting lineup right now. It is important that the young core continues to build chemistry and learn how to not just play with one another, but succeed alongside each other.

Even after a 5-2 start, the Pistons still have plenty of room to improve. Starting games out on a better foot is certainly going to be a focus for the team moving forward. And playing better in the first quarter could be a lever-pull that helps this team reach a higher level.

Good morning Pistons fans, and welcome back to The Weekly Drive. Seven games into the season, Detroit sits at 5-2 with some solid wins this past week - and more opportunities to nab a few easy ones coming up. Let’s get into it.

Game Recaps

Game 5: Orlando 116, Detroit 135

Rapid Reaction: A masterful performance from Cade Cunningham, who finished with a 30-point double-double (10 assists and six rebounds) and zero turnovers. Despite missing nine of their first 10 shots, the Pistons stuck with things and eventually ended up with a very important win.

Game 6: Dallas 110, Detroit 122

Rapid Reaction: In the NBA’s Mexico City Game, it was Detroit that came out on top over an injured Dallas team that was without Anthony Davis. And they really could have used him. Jalen Duren had a career-high 33 points and scooped up 10 rebounds. Cunningham had a career-high 18 assists and the Pistons crushed the Mavericks 35-17 in the fourth quarter to seal the deal.

Game 7: Detroit 114, Memphis 106

Rapid Reaction: it got a little dicey at the end, but the Pistons pulled out an eight-point win to improve to 5-2. Cade exploded for 19 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter, but at one point Detroit had a 21-point lead in the third quarter. That was relinquished somewhat, but Detroit did what few young good teams do - not crumble under pressure.

Aaron and Jasper broke down the Pistons (at the time) 3-2 start on the latest edition of the Palace of Pistons Podcast and talked about the offensive woes. While still present somewhat, Detroit does look a lot better over the last few games.

Isaiah Stewart Fitting Right In

Don’t look now, but Isaiah Stewart is shaping into exactly the player the Pistons envisioned. He was excellent filling in the starting lineup last night, and is now averaging 11.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and is shooting 40.9% from deep. Whether off the bench or spot starting for an injury, Beef Stew has been a plus (aside from the game against Cleveland, which should be thrown out).

The fears of the front court are quelled quite a bit with a healthy and effective Stewart. Between him and Duren having strong starts to the season, the Pistons look more than formidable with their bigs.

News and Notes

• Ausar Thompson penned an article in the Players’ Tribune, and it is well worth your time.

• Tobias Harris missed the game against Memphis with a sprained ankle, though he was questionable up until a few hours before game time. Harris injured it against Dallas and ended up not returning to the game.

• Malik Beasley posted on Instagram that he was headed to Detroit…for some reason. Let the speculation commence.

There is a reasonable expectation that the Pistons should finish this week with a record of 8-2, given they play some bad teams in Brooklyn and Washington. The game against Philadelphia will be deceptively tough, especially if Joel Embiid plays, but Detroit is firing on all cylinders out of the gate. How fun is that?

See you all next week.

Mike

Good morning Pistons fans, and thanks for checking in on the Palace of Pistons Weekly Drive. The first week of the NBA season is in the books, and Detroit has split their first four games of the young season. Let’s get into it.

Game Recaps

Game 1: Detroit 111, Chicago 115

Rapid Reaction: You never love losing the first game of the season, but the final score is not indicative of how much of a lead Chicago had. The Pistons fought back valiantly, but they never should have been in that position in the first place. Detroit’s two key offseason acquisitions, Duncan Robinson (2 points, 1-7 shooting) and Caris LeVert (8 points, 3-7 shooting), did not play well. That has to change.

Game 2: Detroit 115, Houston 111

Rapid Reaction: A gutsy road win. Detroit withstood a 37-point effort from Kevin Durant to pick up their first win of the season. Robinson was much better with 17 points, Ausar Thompson chipped in 19, and even B-Ball Paul (Reed) got in on the fun and scored 13 points off the bench.

Game 3: Boston 113, Detroit 119

Rapid Reaction: These aren’t the same Boston Celtics that won an NBA championship two years ago, but they are still a tough out every night. The Pistons overcame a poor first quarter to play much better in the second and third, and then showed a lot of grit in the fourth to seal the win. Tobias Harris was the steadying force with an efficient 18 points, one of four Pistons that reached double-digits.

Game 4: Cleveland 116, Detroit 95

Rapid Reaction: Flush this one down the sewers and move on. A terrible shooting night for the Pistons, who at one point at one point in the fourth quarter had just one more made shot (25) than turnover (24). Cade Cunningham did not play well, a symptom of the Pistons simply not having enough ball-handlers.

We talked bout the opening night loss to Chicago on the latest edition of the Palace of Pistons Podcast, which you can listen to here:

A lot of Turnover(s)

After four games Pistons are coughing up the fifth-most turnovers in the league. Cade is the main culprit (22 so far), but its the reasons for the turnovers that are more annoying. Detroit needs another ball handler.

The Pistons’ offense goes where Cunningham goes. If he has a bad game, there is no pathway to overcome it — or at least the margin for error is miniscule. The heliocentric nature of Cade is a double-edged sword because, while overpowering, opposing teams know somebody else will have to beat them. (example: Luka Doncic scored 43 points opening night and the Lakers lost).

Bad Beat

The biggest story in sports (or at least it should be) is the FBI’s investigation and arrests of several NBA figures part of an illegal sports betting and rigged poker game ring. Per ESPN, a total of 34 people were arrested, including Portland Trail Blazers head coach and former Piston great Chauncey Billups. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former Cleveland Cavaliers player and coach Damon Jones were also arrested as part of the operation, dubbed “Royal Flush”.

Now I wanted to talk about how the NBA and other major sports leagues need to denounce betting on games in some way, but we know that isn’t going to happen. The Pistons play on FanDuel Sports Network. The game’s biggest star, LeBron James, is doing Draft Kings ads. NBA games on Amazon allow you to link your betting accounts so they show up on the screen while you watch. Sports betting is ubiquitous, and the NBA is raucously in bed with the industry.

News and Notes

• J.B. Bickerstaff picked up his 300th career win on Friday night, making him and his father Bernie (419 wins) the first father-son duo to reach 300 career wins.

• Caris LeVert has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury suffered on opening night.

• Marcus Sasser is dealing with a hip impingement and has yet to suit up this season, though he was upgraded to “questionable” ahead of Monday night’s game.

What’s your take on the Pistons first week? In my opinion, there was some good and some bad. They desperately need another ball handler to take some pressure of Cade, but Ausar Thompson’s growth and versatility on the offensive side of the ball has been great. Hopefully getting Jaden Ivey and Caris LeVert back helps stabilize things.

See you all next week.

Mike

The Detroit Pistons open their season tonight on the road against the Chicago Bulls.

Fresh off a 44-win campaign and their first playoff berth in six years, expectations are higher than they’ve been in a long time for this young, up-and-coming Pistons team.

But Detroit won’t be at full strength to start the year. Jaden Ivey is out after undergoing a right knee procedure. Marcus Sasser is doubtful with a right hip impingement, a tough blow considering he was expected to be a key part of the rotation as the backup point guard. Caris LeVert is dealing with right knee soreness but is probable to play.

The Pistons need to come out strong Wednesday night against a middling Bulls squad — especially with a difficult stretch of games looming.

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Who Joins Cade Cunningham in the Starting Backcourt?

With Jaden Ivey sidelined, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff will have to adjust from the planned Cunningham–Ivey backcourt. Without Ivey, and likely without Sasser, Detroit’s options next to Cunningham are limited.

Caris LeVert is an option if he’s healthy enough to go, but his ball-handling and playmaking are arguably more valuable leading the second unit.

Rookie forward Ron Holland impressed during Summer League and carried that momentum into the preseason, but his inconsistent shooting makes him a tough fit alongside non-shooters like Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren.

That leaves Duncan Robinson as the most logical choice. His shooting, off-ball movement, and veteran experience make him an ideal complement to Cunningham in the starting lineup.

Is Ausar Thompson Ready to Take the Leap?

Reports out of training camp suggest an Ausar Thompson breakout could be on the horizon — and with Ivey’s injury, the Pistons need it to happen.

Thompson is already an elite defender, capable of wrecking offensive game plans whether he’s guarding at the point of attack or rotating from the weak side. But the next step is consistency on offense.

He doesn’t need to become a knockdown three-point shooter, though that would certainly help. What Detroit really needs is for him to find ways to score efficiently — whether that’s cutting, attacking the rim, or knocking down those mid-range turnarounds he’s shown a comfort with.

Look for the Pistons to use him in the dunker’s spot early and often, but how he evolves beyond that could be a major storyline for Detroit this season.

Are the Pistons Ready to Handle Business?

Good teams beat the teams they’re supposed to beat — and right now, the Bulls fit that description.

Last season, Detroit had a frustrating tendency to play down to weaker competition. In a tightly packed Eastern Conference, those are the kinds of games that separate playoff teams from lottery teams.

A loss to Chicago would be a rough way to start. Considering Detroit’s next five games — @Houston, vs. Boston, vs. Cleveland, vs. Orlando, @Dallas — opening the season with a setback would be demoralizing.

Happy NBA Opening Week Pistons fans, and welcome back to the Weekly Drive. Yes, the NBA regular season is, at long last, about to grace our presences. Detroit figures to be one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference, but there are already some warts popping up. Let’s get into it.

Game Recaps

Preseason Game 3: Detroit 100, Cleveland 118

Rapid Reaction: The Pistons were without Cade Cunningham (warranted) and Jaden Ivey (more on that below), so the ball-handling left much to be desired. Detroit had eight turnovers in the first quarter and 15 in the first half, though they recovered after that. The biggest story here was Daniss Jenkins, who started and scored 19 points on just six shot attempts. The Pistons are going to need him early on in the season.

Preseason Game 4: Washington 98, Detroit 119

Rapid Reaction: Cunningham and Jalen Duren, the latter of whom had been nursing a hamstring injury and missed the first two preseason games, looked like a formidable duo. The two-man game was thriving and Duren was very efficient on the offensive side. Chaz Lanier and Jenkins were also solid off the bench, something that is likely to be tested early on.

Jaden Ivey Undergoes Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

The Pistons will be without their presumed starting shooting guard, who is dealing with yet another injury. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Ivey underwent surgery to relieve right knee discomfort and will be reevaluated in four weeks.

Now that does not mean that he will be ready to roll right around Thanksgiving. In fact, I would imagine that Ivey will not be ready until early December given that he must once again ramp up to game speed. Its a big blow to both parties, but especially Ivey, who is seeking a contract extension with the team. Detroit’s bench will have much more responsibility early on in the season.

The Latest Palace of Pistons Podcast

Aaron Johnson and Jasper Apollonia talked about Ivey’s injury, how it shapes the rotation, preseason standouts, and breaking down the first game against the Chicago Bulls.

Rookie Contract Extensions

Ivey and Duren are both due for rookie-scale contract extensions, but the status of those seems in flux. Jake Fischer of Marc Stein’s Substack reports that there is not interest from Detroit’s front office in getting deals done right now, likely to see what this upcoming season looks like. Ivey’s injury already puts a dent in things for him, but Duren seems like a surer bet to receive a lucrative extension. The young center really came around in the second half of last season and has established himself as one of the better centers in the NBA.

Now the Pistons could let both players go into restricted free agency next summer with the ability to match any offer from opposing teams. That runs a risk of other teams driving up the cost and daring the Pistons to match it.

Prediction Time

Is it really time for predictions? Yes, it is. Believe these at your own risk.

Tim Forkin, Palace of Pistons After Dark Host

• Win Total: 55

• The Season Ends…In the second round of the playoffs, behind top-five MVP candidate Cade Cunningham

• The Biggest Riser is: Ausar Thompson, who jumps to a 20-plus point per game scorer

Dylan Edenfield, Contributor/Graphic Designer

• Win Total: 48

• The Season Ends…In the first round of the playoffs, barring a drastic mid-season trade

• The Biggest Riser is: Ron Holland, who takes big leaps on both sides of the ball

Mike Anguilano, Palace of Pistons Podcast Host/Some Guy from Cleveland according to the YouTube comments

• Win Total: 49

• The Season Ends…In the second round of the playoffs

• The Biggest Riser is: Ausar Thompson, who becomes nearly as indispensable as Cade Cunningham

What are your predictions for the Pistons this season? More wins? Less? I think more should be the expectation, especially given how weak the Eastern Conference is.

Regardless, the wait is over: its time for Deeeeeeeeeetroit basketball.

See you all next week.

Mike

Good afternoon Pistons fans, and welcome back to the Weekly Drive. Preseason is in full swing, guys are getting up to speed (some slower than others), and roster battles are heating up. Let’s get into it.

Game Recaps

Preseason Game 1: Detroit 128, Memphis 112

Quick Reaction: Cade Cunningham is that dude. Yes its preseason, but Cunningham looked in full flow. The game looked like it was running in slow motion for him, a trait that is usually reserved for the game’s elite. The same could not be said for Jaden Ivey, who looked severe steps behind in his ramping up process from a broken leg. Ausar Thompson playing point guard was an interesting wrinkle from head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, an encouraging effort to find ways for him to contribute more on offense.

Preseason Game 2: Detroit 111, Milwaukee 117

Quick Reaction: Are free throws going to be a problem? For the second game in a row, the Pistons shot 70% or lower from the charity stripe. Their three-point volume still leaves something to be desired, as they attempted just 30 threes. Its early, and they were without some key shooters, but Detroit will need to increase the number of attempts from deep.

ESPN’s Egregious Conference Rankings

ESPN’s coverage of the NBA has been openly questioned, but their rankings for the Eastern Conference are certainly puzzling. Detroit at 8th, a downgrade from what they were last year, is certainly…something.

Does the loss of Malik Beasley make that much of a difference? Possibly, but the Pistons falling to the Play-In would likely be because of something much more dramatic - like a Cunningham injury. The Eastern Conference is much weaker than it was last year, and ESPN having the Indiana Pacers (sans Tyrese Haliburton), Boston Celtics (sans Jayson Tatum), and Milwaukee Bucks above Detroit is puzzling. There is a good case to be made that the Pistons will - and should - be above the other teams. Reputation be damned.

News and Notes

• Detroit is getting a WNBA team, but their future headquarters and practice facility may be built on land that was once heavily polluted.

• Jalen Duren has not appeared in a preseason game yet due to what the team is calling hamstring tightness.

• Speaking of Beasley, the sharpshooter is still in limbo in terms of his return to the NBA but that has not stopped teams from keeping an eye on him.

• Team USA basketball is reportedly naming Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra as its new head coach. One would have the believe that a few Pistons will be on the next Olympic team.

How do you think the Pistons have looked so far? Its only two games, but its pretty clear that Detroit has not just a budding star, but a full-blooded one in Cade Cunningham. After that, there’s a smattering of good to solid players that compliment him. We will know more once the regular season starts in just one week. Buckle up.

See you all next week.

Mike

Good morning Pistons fans, and welcome back to the Weekly Drive. Media Day has come and gone for all 30 teams, preseason games are well underway, and the regular season remains just a couple of weeks away. Let’s get into it.

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Media Day Quotes

The Pistons held their Media Day one week ago, and naturally there were some interesting quotes. Here are a few interesting ones:

“We’re excited they’re both members of the Pistons. They will have huge roles … whether or not we get deals done, I don’t know if that happens.” - Trajan Langdon on Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren Extensions.

“We felt it was right to stay where we’re at and let our young core continue to develop. We want to see where these guys can go and what their potential and ceiling is, and right now we don’t know. Eventually we’ll understand what we need to complement this group.” - Trajan Langdon on not taking a big swing this past offseason.

“Two seasons ago I shot almost 40% from the 3. It’s a weapon, especially when we play certain teams and different coverages. I look forward to bringing that back.” - Isaiah Stewart on the coaching staff talking to him about taking more 3-pointers.

“Being more aggressive, one, and two, getting to my spots, getting to the middy, pulling up, taking corner 3, coming off screens and forcing the big to make a decision between me and JD and whoever might be in there.” - Ausar Thompson on how he can help the offense in the half court.

There were obviously many, many more quotes and sound clips, but those ones piqued my interest. Let me know what you thought of Media Day and if I missed something critical. We talked about these quotes and more on the latest edition of the Palace of Pistons Podcast.

Preseason Time

The Pistons open their preseason schedule off today on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies. The full roster for the Pistons can be found here.

After that, Detroit will play two more road games (at Milwaukee and at Cleveland) before wrapping up the preseason at home versus Washington.

News and Notes

• Not always going to be able to watch the games? Same. Here is the local television and radio broadcast schedule for the Pistons upcoming season.

• Pistons owner Tom Gores donated $1 million to build two new basketball courts at the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Memorial Park, which opens at the end of the month.

That will do it for this short Weekly Drive, but know that with each passing week we get closer to basketball season. Thanks for spending your morning here, and if you’re passing by, be sure to make yourself at home by subscribing to the Palace of Pistons Substack.

See you next week.