The Detroit Pistons have had quite the off-season so far.
Newly appointed President of Basketball Operations, Trajan Langdon, has made some quick, strategic moves, starting with hiring a new head coach, J.B. Bickerstaff.
Having spent five years with the Cleveland Cavaliers and leading a playoff-contending team, Bickerstaff brings a dynamic coaching style to help unlock the team’s potential.
The Pistons have added more to their core and acquired the electrifying 19-year-old Ron Holland as the No. 5 pick in the 2024 Draft, who last played for the Ignite in the G-League.
Holland was already a highly-ranked prospect and will serve as a great inside player. The NBA Summer League is a great opportunity for newcomers to showcase their talents, and Holland did exactly that.
Bobi Klintman, the 37th pick, proving that he might just be the steal of the draft, displayed an all-around performance throughout the Summer League as well — averaging 11.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and four assists. Holland and Klintman both have the size and have shown signs of making a positive impact this upcoming season, promising to inject fresh energy into the lineup.
Other big news for the Motor City
The next order of business from Langdon was ensuring that Cade Cunningham stayed long-term. Cunningham is the cornerstone of Detroit’s future, and the star solidified his commitment by signing a record-breaking $226 million, five-year max rookie contract extension.
With the signing, Cunningham became the highest-paid player in franchise history.
Cunningham averaged 22.7 points per game, 7.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game last season while shooting 45% from the field. What he displayed on the court last season only justifies the franchise’s investment, and for Cunningham, it is a well-deserved contract.
Free agency and trades
The Pistons had a good chunk of money in free agency funds and used it to help fortify their roster. After representing the Pistons from 2016-18, they welcomed Tobias Harris back on a two-year, $52 million deal. When Tobias was last in Detroit, he was only 23 years old. Now, with 13 years under his belt playing professionally, he has a goal for the team.
“To be the best leader that I can be for this group,” Harris said. “To make sure every guy on this team reaches their potential in their ability. That’s the biggest goal for me.”
Last season, the Pistons were missing a veteran piece, could adding his style of play and knowledge be the boost that the Pistons need?
Also, the Pistons acquired Tim Hardaway Jr. from the Dallas Mavericks in a trade deal after reaching the Western Conference finals this past season. Hardaway Jr. will be another asset to help mentor. Hardway Jr. averaged 14.4 points per game, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists last season.
To help the Pistons work towards becoming a team that is a threat beyond the arc, the team also brought in Malik Beasley, a volume shooter who shot 41% from three-point range in the 2023-24 season.
What else is important about the roster?
The Pistons still have Jalen Duren. The center was selected as one of 15 players to play for the USA Men’s Select Team, and throughout, he showed that he’s extended his game and seems to be more comfortable shooting his mid-range shots and, of course, having powerful dunks on some of the best in the game.
Ausar Thompson is looking to make a full recovery and return to playing basketball, which is a good sign — especially defensively for the team.
As for Jaden Ivey, we can predict he is looking to have a breakout year after not being as involved in the rotation last season.
Overall, with this newly built roster, the Detroit Pistons can turn the tide, and there are high hopes that they can become a team capable of competing.
