Day 7: Detroit Pistons – A Remarkable Rebound
The Detroit Pistons closed the 2024–25 season with a 44–38 record, earning the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference—a massive leap from their 14–68 finish the prior season. It marked a historic turnaround under first-year head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Team Identity & Coaching
Bickerstaff emphasized discipline, pace, and defensive toughness. Detroit ranked mid-tier in pace and efficiency, with an offensive rating around 115.0, defensive rating near 113.1, and a net rating close to +1.9.
Standout Contributors
- Cade Cunningham: Emerged as the team’s leader, averaging 26.1 PPG and 9.1 APG, driving Detroit’s revival.
- Isaiah Stewart: Anchored the defense and brought relentless energy inside.
- Supporting cast: Tobias Harris and Tim Hardaway Jr. brought veteran presence; Ausar Thompson and Malik Beasley added athleticism and spacing.
Season Highlights
Detroit became just the second team in NBA history to triple its win total from the previous year. Clinching a playoff berth on April 4 and snapping a 15-game playoff losing streak with their Game 1 win made the year a clear success.
Our Analysis
They didn’t dominate in the metrics, but they consistently outworked opponents and found ways to win tough games. This version of the Pistons brought back shades of their blue-collar past.
Playoff Recap
Detroit upset the Knicks in Game 1 but fell in six games in the first round. Still, ending a long playoff drought with a competitive showing laid a strong foundation for the future.
Fan & Front Office Perspective
The fan base rallied behind the turnaround, while GM Trajan Langdon and Bickerstaff made it clear: this is just the beginning. Expect Detroit to be active in continuing to improve this roster.
Looking Ahead
- Can Cade Cunningham become an All-NBA level player?
- How far can the Stewart-led defense carry them?
- What roles will Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland II play next season?
Final Thoughts
Detroit's revival was one of the biggest surprises of the year. With a strong core and a newfound identity, the Pistons are building something sustainable. The city’s basketball heartbeat is back.