Why November Will be a Defining Month for the Detroit Pistons
Detroit will face off against a much weaker schedule in the coming weeks after opening the season against established playoff teams.
When this campaign comes to an end, most likely in April, Detroit’s performance throughout the month of November could be viewed as the turning point of the season, for multiple reasons. Either this modest two-game win streak will be the beginning of a positive stretch for a team taking on a weaker part of their schedule, or it will simply be remembered as a fluke, similar to Detroit’s 2-1 start in 2023-24.
There are a number of factors that could make November the most important month of the Detroit Pistons’ season.
Detroit Facing Lottery Teams Throughout November
As already mentioned, November will feature arguably the weakest stretch of opponents Detroit sees all season. If the franchise intends to take a step forward, finishing the month above .500 is imperative. Of the team’s remaining 14 games in November, nine will be against fellow lottery teams, most of which didn’t have the internal growth that the Pistons have had.
With matchups against the Charlotte Hornets (2x), Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors (2x), Washington Wizards, Chicago Bulls, and Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit will have a prime opportunity to cement themselves as a team on the rise, rather than one stagnated at the bottom of the league. Detroit’s other matchups include the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers - all playoff teams last season, but also all teams that have struggled out of the gate in 2024-25.
For a team looking at a behemoth schedule in December, finishing at .500 should be the baseline if the team is truly improving.
Prime Time for an Exciting Rookie
It’s obvious the Pistons have been missing Ausar Thompson’s multifaceted skill set so far. The second-year wing was one of the lone reasons to tune in to a game last season, and his intangibles are key to Detroit taking noticeable strides. Unfortunately, Thompson’s blood clot issue from his rookie campaign has leaked into the early part of the new year. He seems healthy and has been with the team, but the NBA’s cautious policy on the matter has left Thompson out indefinitely with little idea as to when he’ll return.
This isn’t how the Pistons had hoped to introduce him, but Thompson’s absence has made way for Detroit’s newest rookie, Ron Holland, to prove himself at the professional level. Holland has shown to have many of Thompson’s positive traits, including elite hustle, athleticism, and defensive instincts. He’s a much more raw player than Thompson, but Holland has been able to impact games as a key bench wing. It’s hard to see him having this large of a role early on had Thompson been healthy.
While hope is still being held out that Thompson will return at some point this month, that is far from a guarantee. That would mean Holland will continue to have ample opportunity to improve and grow his role. Considering Detroit’s adequate wing depth when healthy, November may be Holland’s best opportunity for big minutes. The franchise can only hope he takes advantage of them.
Cade Cunningham’s All-Star Case
Through eight games against mostly stiff competition, Cade Cunningham has looked like a bona fide All-Star as the leader of the Pistons. With averages of 23.3 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.4 rebounds per game, Cunningham passes both the eye test and the analytical examination on the court, proving himself capable as a superstar. In November, Cunningham will have the chance to solidify his All-Star case against not only lesser competition but also other up-and-coming stars.
Cunningham will face off against fellow Eastern Conference point guard LaMelo Ball, who will likely be in direct competition for an All-Star nod. Detroit also will play against other All-Star hopefuls, including Tyrese Maxey, Scottie Barnes, and Franz Wagner. Cunningham’s performance in these matchups could go a long way in determining both All-Star and Most Improved Player votes.
Many of the teams Detroit faces in November have weaker or inexperienced defenses, a far cry from the lockdown prowess of the Boston Celtics or Miami Heat. November provides a great opportunity for not only Cunningham but the rest of Detroit’s supporting cast to get their offensive game right before a gauntlet in December. If Cunningham is leading the Pistons to victories, he should be in line for his first career All-Star berth.