The Detroit Pistons are in the midst of their most exciting season in years, and the fun shows no signs of stopping. With a record of 32-26, the Pistons are sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference and riding a seven-game winning streak – their longest in a decade. After years of rebuilding, setbacks, and a historically rough 28-game losing streak during the 2023-24 season, the Pistons have emerged as one of the NBA’s most surprising and entertaining teams. For the first time since 2019, Detroit is poised to make a playoff appearance (no jinx, hopefully), with their resurgence being nothing but joy to watch.

The turnaround can be attributed to several key factors, starting with the arrival of head coach JB Bickerstaff. Known for his defensive mindset, which he has displayed neatly in previous tenures, most recently with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Bickerstaff has instilled a gritty, disciplined identity in this young Pistons squad. Under his leadership, the team has transformed into a cohesive unit that prides itself on locking down opponents and playing unselfish basketball. Bickerstaff’s emphasis on defense has been a game-changer, and it’s clear the players have bought into his system.

Detroit has jumped from 26th in points allowed and defensive rating in 2023-24, to 15th and 11th this season, respectively.

At the heart of Detroit’s success is Cade Cunningham, the 2021 first overall pick who has blossomed into a bona fide superstar. Earning his first All-Star nod in 2025, Cunningham is putting up career-high numbers with 25.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game. His ability to control the pace of the game, create for his teammates, and score at will has made him the engine of this Pistons team. The spike in his development has been a revelation, and he’s firmly established himself as one of the league’s brightest young stars.

Of course, Cunningham isn’t doing it alone. The Pistons’ supporting cast has stepped up in a big way, making this one of the most balanced and dynamic rosters in the league. Double-double machine Jalen Duren, the team’s young center, has been a force in the paint, showcasing his potential as a future cornerstone (12.8 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 70.1 FG% since Dec. 17th). Veteran forward Tobias Harris, who returned to Detroit after a rocky tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers, has found new life with the Pistons. Harris has embraced his role as a leader and secondary scorer, providing stability and experience to a relatively young team.

Meanwhile, Malik Beasley has been a revelation from beyond the arc. The sharpshooting guard is having a career year and recently set the franchise record for three-pointers made in a single season, with 229 and counting (16.5 PPG, 42.3 3FG%). His ability to stretch the floor has been invaluable, opening up driving lanes for Cunningham and creating space for the rest of the offense. Second-year forward Ausar Thompson has also shown significant growth, contributing on both ends of the floor with his athleticism and versatility.

The Pistons’ success this season is a testament to their resilience and the front office’s patience. After enduring one of the toughest stretches in NBA history in ‘23-24, the team has come out stronger and more determined. The rebuild, while painful at times, has finally started to pay off. Detroit’s young core is thriving, the veterans are playing their roles to perfection, and the coaching staff has pushed all the right buttons.

As the Pistons gear up for what looks like their first playoff appearance in six years, one thing is clear: this team is dangerous. While they severely lack playoff experience, they make up for it with energy, hunger, and a collective belief that they belong on the big stage. History has shown that upstart teams like these can be a nightmare matchup in the postseason. Their youthful exuberance, combined with the leadership of Bickerstaff and the star power of Cunningham, makes them a team no one will want to face in a seven-game series.

The Pistons’ fun season continues, and for the first time in a long time, the future looks incredibly bright in Motor City.