The Detroit Pistons arguably had the best off-season of any team, and their much-improved roster will only help their young franchise player, Cade Cunningham. There are big expectations for both the Detroit Pistons and their reigning Rookie of the Year, who was the number one overall pick in the 2021 draft.
Cunningham had a solid, if unspectacular, rookie season for a number one pick, averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.2 steals last year. However, the team won just 23 games, and he struggled with his outside shot as well as with injuries. That’s behind them now, and the Pistons are revving up for a speedy turnaround in 2022–23.
The Detroit Pistons are building a roster tailored to their young star’s strengths.
The Pistons’ offseason began with the team drafting Jaden Ivey fifth overall, and he is seen as a value pick considering his vast upside. Ivey has drawn comparisons to Russell Westbrook, the Oklahoma City version, and if that’s the case, then the Pistons could soon be back in playoff contention. In addition to Ivey, the team also acquired center Jalen Duren, who was traded to the Pistons after he was selected 13th overall by Charlotte, and he could also be a huge steal.
Duren’s an elite shot blocker and offensive rebounder, but he also has potential as a scorer, serving as the third member of an exciting young core of Cunningham and Ivey. In free agency, the Pistons continued to make smart decisions by trading for Bojan Bogdanovic, a talented scorer who averaged a combined 18.3 points per game and shot 40.3% from three over the last four seasons. He’ll give the Pistons some much-needed shooting after they ranked just 29th in 3-point percentage last season.
Center Nerlens Noel rounds out the notable new additions and is known for his defense and rebounding, two things the Pistons could use more of. Noel and starting center Isaiah Stewart, as well as Duren, give the team a trio of athletic bigs who can swat shots, crash the glass and catch lobs. All of these moves are terrific, but they only work because they have Cunningham as their centerpiece.
The Detroit Pistons could surprise next season.
If Cunningham makes a giant leap in his second year, then the Pistons could double their win total from a year ago. Cunningham, who stands at 6’7, has shown great potential as a playmaker. He has fantastic court vision and is especially skilled at tossing lobs, kicking out to shooters, or finding players who leak out in…
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