The Pistons haven’t officially abandoned the tank race, but they added legitimate, established NBA talent this summer. Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. does not a Big Three make, obviously, but that’s a healthy amount of scoring and spacing for a young squad in dire need of both.

Having failed to post a winning percentage of even .310 in any of the past five seasons, Detroit would presumably welcome some success in the standings. It’s possible that proper spacing (or improved spacing, at least) helps accelerate the development of this young core, and if it does, it’s not like the play-in picture in the Eastern Conference is impenetrable.

A leap year from Cade Cunningham could do wonders for the franchise. If it’s accompanied by sizable steps forward from the likes of Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson—plus a rapid transition from Ron Holland, the team’s latest No. 5 pick—the Pistons should be semi-competitive.

How much does that actually accomplish, though? Riding the Motor City of this stench of losing would be nice, sure, but if the faithful can hold their noses for one more 82-game marathon, the reward could be one of the potentially fortune-changing prospects atop next summer’s draft.

Granted, the Pistons know better than anyone that a mountain of losses guarantees nothing in the draft lottery. They should also recognize, though, that Cunningham is their only prospect paving a path to stardom right now. Even if he’s ready to elevate this team, he doesn’t have the high-end help needed to make it happen. Pairing him with a blue-chip prospect could change that, and the possibility is too inviting to pass up, especially if it’s obvious early that this club won’t compete at a high level during the 2024-25 campaign.