The Detroit Pistons continue to coast through the regular season as we near the home stretch, firmly in position to claim the East’s number one seed and home court advantage.
The loss of Cade Cunningham with the collapsed lung injury has added adversity to the team – and it may be something they needed. This team thrives off playing with a certain edge and while it’s ingrained in their nature overall, adding some to fuel to their fire may prove to be beneficial at the right time.
1. A clear Coach of the Year — that won’t happen
Many award races in
the NBA come down to the wire, and sometimes it’s only separated by which storyline becomes most appealing. After all, it’s voted on by storytellers.
That’s why Joe Mazzulla appears to be the likely frontrunner after an outstanding and somewhat surprising season in Boston, who were down their best player for most of the year.
But if you’re talking about the best coaching job this year, it’s hard to argue against J. B. Bickerstaff.
Monday night in Oklahoma City was a perfect example. The Detroit Pistons were without five of their top six players in total minutes and still nearly stole a game on the road against one of the league’s elite teams who were at full strength.
What stands out most is identity. No matter who’s available, Detroit plays the same physical, disciplined and defensively driven brand of basketball. That doesn’t happen by accident.
Ironically, Bickerstaff may be a year too late. Last season’s leap from irrelevance to playoff contention set the stage, but this year’s rise to the top has still been met with some skepticism. It’s hard to pinpoint why – but it’s something this team will embrace going into postseason play. And in the end, that will matter more than any award.
2. Success without Cunningham
There’s no way around it – the news of Cade Cunningham’s collapsed lung was a tough blow.
Beyond the team impact, it’s frustrating on an individual level. Cunningham had firmly positioned himself for All-NBA honors, and missing time now could cost him that recognition. He remains in recovery and is set to be re-evaluated this week.
Short term, though, Detroit has shown something important: their system travels.
Even without their star, the Pistons have found ways to stay competitive, with players stepping into larger roles – most notably Dannis Jenkins, who continues to prove he belongs.
The biggest potential silver lining? Jalen Duren. The all-star big man has averaged 24.4 point and 10.7 rebounds in his last ten games, seven of which were without Cunningham.
He may not be a traditional No. 2 option, but his ability to dominate the paint has already been a cornerstone of Detroit’s success. With Cunningham sidelined, he’s had an opportunity to take on more offensive responsibility and further establish himself as a reliable secondary force. Long term, that development could be crucial — especially when Cade returns and inevitably draws even more defensive attention.
3. Rotation thinning?
Depth has been one of Detroit’s defining strengths all season. Currently, they have 11 players averaging over 17 minutes per game, a rarity for a team at the top of the standings.
But the playoffs are different.
Rotations tighten. Roles become more defined. And not everyone plays.
Some pieces feel locked in. Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland II, and Dannis Jenkins have carved out roles that should translate to postseason basketball.
That leaves a group of veteran wings – Kevin Huerter, Caris LeVert, and Javonte Green – competing for minutes. Early in a series, it wouldn’t be surprising to see all three get opportunities before the coaching staff settles on a tighter rotation.
Right now, Huerter has the edge. Over his last 10 games, he’s averaging 10.8 points and making the most of increased minutes. But his path to staying on the floor is simple: he needs to make shots.
And when foul trouble inevitably hits the frontcourt, Paul Reed becomes important. He provided solid minutes in last year’s playoff series against New York and could once again be called upon in key stretches.
The depth got Detroit here. The question now is: which eight or nine guys will carry them forward?
