The Detroit Pistons enter the 2025–26 NBA season no longer defined by rebuilding, but by ambition. After posting a 44–38 record last year and making their long-awaited return to the postseason, the Pistons’ focus has shifted from survival to sustained contention in the Eastern Conference.

Under general manager Trajan Langdon and head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Detroit has built a roster that finally blends youth, experience, and defensive identity — the formula for long-term success.

Core Players and Key Additions

Cade Cunningham continues to be the face of the franchise. Fresh off a breakout campaign and long-term extension, the former No. 1 pick now shoulders full responsibility as Detroit’s lead playmaker and locker-room tone-setter.

Next to him, Jaden Ivey offers elite athleticism and offensive explosiveness — though he’ll miss the start of the season following a recent knee procedure. His health and return will be one of Detroit’s biggest early storylines.

In the frontcourt, Jalen Duren remains a force at the rim, while wings Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland II bring defensive length and fast-developing versatility. The veteran presence of Tobias Harris, back for another stint in Detroit, provides shooting and poise in late-game situations.

The offseason additions of Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert should help stretch the floor and stabilize the second unit. Meanwhile, second-round pick Chaz Lanier could emerge as a sneaky contributor if his college shooting touch translates.

Strengths to Build On

Detroit’s turnaround last year started on the defensive end. Bickerstaff’s Pistons ranked among the league’s most improved defensive teams, finally translating their size and athleticism into real results.

Offensively, the team now has more spacing and shot creation than in past seasons. Robinson’s three-point gravity opens up driving lanes for Cunningham and Ivey, while Duren’s interior presence anchors the pick-and-roll game.

Perhaps most importantly, the Pistons now carry momentum and belief — something that had been missing for nearly a decade.

The Questions Ahead

As promising as Detroit looks, the Pistons still have their share of question marks:

Ivey’s recovery: Can he regain his explosiveness quickly after knee surgery and after missing half of last season with a leg injury?

Youthful inconsistency: The core is still developing, and lapses on both ends will happen.

Bench reliability: Depth could be tested early, especially with Ivey sidelined.

Eastern Conference pressure: With teams like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia all reloading, Detroit must improve just to keep pace.

Managing the salary cap and upcoming contract extensions for their young stars will also test Langdon’s long-term strategy.

Season Outlook

The 2025–26 Pistons have the talent, coaching, and chemistry to take another step forward.

Projected record: 48–52 wins Likely playoff seed: 4th–6th in the Eastern Conference Ceiling: Second-round playoff run with potential to push further Floor: Fringe playoff team if injuries or chemistry issues strike

This season’s success will ultimately hinge on Cunningham’s evolution from All-Star to All-NBA caliber leader — and whether Ivey, Duren, and Thompson can take that next developmental leap.

Final Thoughts

The Detroit Pistons are done rebuilding. The blueprint is in place, the culture is changing, and the fan base can finally see a future worth believing in.

Whether that future arrives this season depends on health, growth, and the ability to execute under pressure — but make no mistake: the Motor City is ready to move again.