Detroit Pistons BS Meter: Buying or Selling Early-Season Storylines
In the midst of their best campaign in two decades, the Detroit Pistons have been discussed more than ever this season. But what talk actually has some truth to it?
Currently boasting a 19-5 record and the top mark in the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons have made too much noise for the national media to ignore this season.
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.
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.