The Detroit Pistons, long dismissed as one of the NBA’s worst teams, have finally flipped the script. Ranked 10th in The Athletic’s latest NBA power rankings, the Pistons are no longer a rebuilding project or a league afterthought — they’re a team to watch heading into the 2025-26 season. After five consecutive losing seasons, the Pistons surprised many with a 44-38 record and a tough playoff series against the New York Knicks.
That turnaround began with a leadership overhaul. J.B. Bickerstaff replaced Monty Williams on the sidelines, while Trajan Langdon stepped in after the dismissal of Troy Weaver. On the court, Cade Cunningham leaped from promising prospect to full-blown star, averaging 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game, earning both an All-Star selection and a spot on the All-NBA Third Team. Veteran Tobias Harris brought stability to the locker room, and rising big man Jalen Duren continued his development, giving the Pistons a reliable interior presence.
Despite the momentum, the Pistons’ offseason was marked by numerous roster changes that have left fans divided. Some worry that last year’s success was a one-year outlier, while others believe Langdon’s long-term vision is still taking shape. With skepticism lingering from previous missteps, the question now is: Should fans trust Langdon to keep pushing the franchise forward? With intriguing new faces, is this still a top-10 team, or just the start of something bigger?
Power Rankings Show Detroit Pistons Emerging as NBA Threat
Off-Season Moves That Boosted the Pistons’ Power Ranking
Free agency opened under a cloud of uncertainty for the Pistons. Malik Beasley, fresh off a strong season that saw him finish second in Sixth Man of the Year voting, was expected to receive a contract extension. However, off-court issues derailed those plans, forcing the Pistons to pivot in a new direction.
In response, the Pistons added Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson to bolster their perimeter shooting. LeVert offers more than just scoring — he can create offense off the dribble, defend multiple positions, and lead the second unit with poise. Robinson, long regarded as a top-tier three-point threat, also brings an underrated ability to attack closeouts and finish at the rim, adding more versatility to the Pistons’ wing position.
The departures of Dennis Schröder and Tim Hardaway Jr. certainly sting, but the Pistons seem confident in their internal development. Jaden Ivey will take on a larger playmaking role this season. Rookie Chaz Lanier could become a reliable shooter off the bench. The front office avoided overspending or adding unnecessary players. They stayed focused on the team’s identity and key areas for improvement.
Homegrown Heat
The Pistons’ success may hinge less on blockbuster acquisitions and more on the continued growth of their homegrown talent. Ron Holland turned heads in the Summer League, showcasing an improved scoring arsenal to complement his already impressive defensive instincts. With his two-way potential, he’s positioning himself as a valuable rotation piece early in the season. Meanwhile, Ausar Thompson used the offseason to add muscle and refine his all-around game. Thompson, an elite defender, will expand offensively, initiating plays, slashing to the rim, and creating in transition.
Perhaps the biggest X-factor is Ivey. Before his injury, Ivey was carving out a role as a reliable No. 2 option alongside Cunningham and proving he could run the offense when he sits. If he can return to that form, aggressive, efficient, and confident, then the Pistons’ backcourt could be among the league’s most dynamic. His development will likely be one of the most significant determining factors in whether the Pistons truly live up to their top-10 billing.
Duren also remains a central figure in the team’s long-term plans. Known for his dominance in the paint, Duren has spent the summer working to expand his range and refine his perimeter shooting. Add in his budding playmaking abilities, and the Pistons may have the tools to diversify their half-court offense, stretching defenses and opening new lanes for their slashers and shooters alike.
The Last Word
For the first time in years, the Detroit Pistons enter the season with genuine expectations. Ranked 10th in The Athletic’s latest power rankings, the league is taking notice of the Pistons’ rise. With a revamped front office and a young core continuing to develop, the team’s future looks brighter. Cade Cunningham has firmly established himself as a star and leader. The offseason brought changes but reinforced the Pistons’ long-term vision of growth, development, and smart roster building.
Still, questions remain. Can Jaden Ivey return to form? Will the roster come together after key offseason departures? And is this the year Detroit makes the leap from hopeful to proven? One thing is sure — the Pistons are no longer a team anyone can overlook.
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