By Matija Šerić
Every NBA season brings unforeseen or somewhat unexpected situations. At the halfway point of the current regular season, the most pleasant surprise has been the Detroit Pistons. After 41 games, they have a record of 31-10 and sit atop the Eastern Conference. The Motor City team (as Detroit is nicknamed) firmly holds first place (75.6% wins), while the second-place Celtics have a 26-16 record and the third-place Knicks are 25-18.
From Years of Humiliation to a Renaissance
Led by their first superstar Cade Cunningham and coach J.B. Bickerstaff, the Pistons are experiencing a true renaissance this season. Few could have predicted such a positive turn for the famous but long-struggling franchise after years of missed opportunities and disappointing seasons. The low point came two years ago. In the 2023/24 season under coach Monty Williams, Detroit finished with a record of 14 wins and 68 losses—the worst season in NBA history. The Pistons broke their own previous record of 17-65 set the season before.
The “Bad Boys” hadn’t played in the NBA playoffs since 2019, which finally changed last season. Last year, the Pistons lost in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals to the New York Knicks 4-2. This year, they’ve made impressive progress and are quietly considered contenders for major achievements. Many fans dream of a Finals appearance, which the Pistons last reached in 2005, losing 4-3 to the San Antonio Spurs.
Many casual fans and experts wonder how Detroit has managed to recall the glory days of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s when the Pistons won three NBA titles: 1989, 1990, and 2004. There’s no secret formula—success comes down to the players, coaching staff, and, of course, the front office.
The Starting Five
In most games, the Pistons’ unquestioned starting lineup has been: point guard Cade Cunningham, shooter Duncan Robinson, small forward Ausar Thompson, power forward Tobias Harris, and center Jalen Duren. Among them, the core trio is Cunningham-Thompson-Duren.
The “MotorCade”
The team’s star is the incomparable Cunningham. The 24-year-old guard is in his sixth NBA season. He stayed when times were tough and did not leave the club that drafted him in 2021. Night after night, he impresses with his play. He has played 36 games so far, averaging 35.4 minutes on the court, 25.7 points (15th in the league), 9.8 assists (2nd in the league), and 5.9 rebounds per game, with a 45.2% field goal percentage. Cunningham is an excellent shooter from all positions, especially in clutch moments, and stands out this season as an exceptional playmaker, delivering consistent and creative assists. His high basketball IQ, court vision, and ability to control the pace of the game are his main strengths.
Thanks to his elite performances, it was announced on January 19 that Cunningham was voted by fans as a starter for the Eastern Conference in the NBA All-Star Game on February 15 in LA. He was chosen over superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and Jalen Brunson. “More than anything, you want respect from your peers. Yeah, it means a lot. I think it’s a testament to the amount of success we’ve had as a team. I think the league has to respect that. You know, being the best team in the East, night in and night out, finding ways to get wins,” Cunningham said about his accomplishment, crediting the fans. If he continues this way, he could be a candidate for MVP.
Ausar Thompson – The New Dennis Rodman
22-year-old Ausar Thompson (twin brother of the more famous Amen Thompson from Houston) has played 37 games, averaging 25.9 minutes, 10.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 steals. While not among the team’s main scorers, his field goal percentage is an impressive 50.8%. Thompson’s standout attribute is his exceptional defense. He is one of the NBA’s biggest young defensive prospects—exceptionally fast and athletically gifted, standing 201 cm tall with excellent instincts, capable of guarding players from positions 1 through 5. His basketball IQ allows him to read opposing plays and disrupt offenses. He can play anywhere from small forward to shooter, although he most often plays at the small forward spot.
Reliable JD
Jalen Duren is the Pistons’ main force under the basket. In 34 games, he has averaged 17.8 points (64% field goal percentage—8th in the league, 70.7% free throws), 10.7 rebounds (6th in the league), and 1.8 assists. The 22-year-old center consistently delivers double-doubles and is a player his teammates can always rely on. His athleticism, rebounding talent, shooting accuracy, pick-and-roll play, safe passing, and energetic defense are his hallmarks.
Veterans Make a Big Contribution
Other players also perform well. Tobias Harris averages 13.7 points, Duncan Robinson 12.1 points, and Isaiah Stewart 10.1 points. While the team is young, in 2024 the front office added Harris (33), and this season Robinson (31) and Javonte Green (32) to provide experience.
Pistons School the Knicks
On January 5, in their Little Caesars Arena, the Pistons hosted the second-place Knicks, showing them who’s boss in the East. Detroit won by 31 points—121:90—a revenge for last season’s first-round playoff exit. The Pistons controlled the game from start to finish, shooting 55% while the Knicks managed only 42%. Detroit outrebounded New York 44-30. Cunningham scored 29 points and added 13 assists, Ausar Thompson had 10 points and 7 rebounds, Isaiah Stewart contributed 7 points and 9 rebounds, and from the bench Javonte Green and Jaden Ivey scored 17 and 16 points, respectively.
Second-Best Team in the League
In net rating (which measures the difference between average points scored and allowed per 100 possessions), the Pistons rank second in the league after the Thunder. Detroit is also the second-best defensive team this season, behind only the unstoppable OKC, with a defensive rating of 108.5. On average, they record 32.9 defensive rebounds, 10.4 steals, 6.7 blocks, while opponents score only 17.3 points off turnovers.
Team Chemistry at Its Peak
At the end of December, coach Bickerstaff said, “I don’t think there’s a more connected team in the league than ours… Our front office did a phenomenal job putting together a roster of guys we can rely on.” Tobias Harris agreed, saying, “Last year we saw moments when I felt something could throw us off our rhythm. But with the experience Cade (Cunningham) has gained, hitting big shots, we all trust him to make the key play.”
The Pistons’ chemistry is excellent—they recorded a 13-game winning streak from October 29 to November 24, tying a franchise record from the 2004/05 season. Credit also goes to informal GM Trajan Langdon (who joined in early 2025) and owner Tom Gores, in his position since 2011. Patience and persistence have proven to be the guiding vision of the club.
A Truly Entertaining Team
“The biggest thing is we’re still hungry. Not everybody here went through [the 28-game losing streak], but the guys who were here truly understand and still feel we have a lot to prove. We still have room to grow. It’s gonna be fun—I think it’s gonna be a wild ride as we continue through this season, improve, and show the world, because I think people still don’t believe in us. As we continue to prove them wrong, it’s gonna be fun,” said Duren in November.
JD is right. Detroit is a highly entertaining and powerful team to watch. Despite many still doubting their potential for major achievements, that underestimation is their biggest asset. The Pistons enjoy basketball and show that hard work pays off.
