I’ve been in Detroit for almost two months after making a cross-country move from California. I’d only visited twice before moving and didn’t know anyone within the Detroit Pistons organization, but I’m getting my footing now. And I can’t take credit for the success, but the Pistons are enjoying their most successful start to the season in years.
There are plenty of questions to be answered about where Detroit stands and what’s next. I’ve responded to some questions, and if I didn’t get to yours this time, hopefully, we’ll have another opportunity soon. Let’s get into the questions:
(Questions have been edited for brevity and clarity.)
Trajan (Langdon) and J.B. (Bickerstaff) have spoken again and again about “not skipping steps.” With the Pistons finally playing to expectations and floating around the ninth seed for 35 games now, what is your postseason projection for the Pistons — or rather what “next step” should fans expect? — Gibson G.
The Pistons are 17-18 through 35 games thus far. Detroit has 47 games remaining — 25 at home and 22 on the road. Of those, 22 are against teams with winning records. I can see the Pistons winning between 20-22 of their final games to finish with a record around 37-45 and 39-43. I wouldn’t be surprised if they finish between the sixth and ninth spots.
Although it wouldn’t be a winning season, Detroit would have a chance to reach the postseason for the first time since 2019, when Blake Griffin was still leading the team in scoring and assists.
But remember, the usually underwhelming East had eight teams at least 10 games over .500 last season. This season, the Cleveland Cavaliers (31-4), Boston Celtics (26-10) and New York Knicks (24-12) are the only ones there.
After those three, the conference is wide open.
Although the Orlando Magic have a talented young core, Paolo Banchero has missed 31 of the Magic’s 36 games. Franz Wagner has missed 11. Wagner’s older brother, Mo, is out for the season after tearing his ACL. Mo was the team’s fourth-leading scorer.
Depending on when Banchero and Franz return, Orlando could occupy one of the top four spots in the East.
Despite winning the Emirates NBA Cup, the Milwaukee Bucks have been underperforming since Damian Lillard was acquired in a trade last summer. But assuming Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of the Bucks mesh better, that should round out the top five in the conference.
The Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler are a mess, and there’s no guarantee that if the Heat trade him the new players will fit well with the rest of the unit. Until Miami decides what to do and the Magic get healthy, I can see the Pistons competing with the rest of the East outside of the Cavaliers, Celtics, Knicks and Bucks.
What’s your opinion on the progress of Ron Holland II and Ausar Thompson and what development do they need to get to the next level? Are they seen as part of the team’s future? — John D.
To answer your last question first: Without a doubt. Detroit selected Thompson and Holland with their No. 5 picks in 2023 and ’24, respectively, so they’re both seen as a part of the future.
Holland has 35 games under his belt, is still learning the NBA and has been able to show flashes of his potential. And although it’s Thompson’s second season, the 21-year-old wing has only played 78 games due to injuries and issues with a blood clot. Thompson is the most athletic player on the team and likely has the highest ceiling.
It’d be foolish to give up on two young players who can blossom into two-way wings, especially considering wings are one of the most coveted positions in the league today.
As for their progress, minutes have been more sparing for Holland, so it’s been more difficult to get a gauge on where his game is. From what I’ve seen, I love his motor. He’s also a very advanced finisher with both hands at 19. He’s got a toughness that bodes well as he continues to blossom.
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The key to their success will be 3-point shooting. Both are a bit reluctant to let it fly from beyond the arc and seem more comfortable beating defenders off the bounce to get to the paint. They both work tirelessly with Pistons shooting coach Fred Vinson, so I believe they’ll at least become serviceable from downtown.
But just how well they’re each able to shoot will likely determine their success.
As for Thompson, he’s a Swiss Army knife. Although he’s a bit shy with his jumper, he had five steals in the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He finished with a career-high six. He also rebounds very well, averaging 4.7 boards per game in just 18.3 minutes.
Thompson also is an intuitive cutter and works the dunker spot well for lobs. I’m interested to see more of Thompson in occasional small-ball five situations as his jumper continues to improve. Thompson is wiry, strong and will only continue getting stronger, allowing him to guard bigs with his 7-foot wingspan. He could be a nightly mismatch for opposing centers if that jumper develops.
Overall, I’m very high on both Holland and Thompson as players and prospects.
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Do you think Jalen Duren has a shot at ever becoming a proficient defensive player? — Bob H.
Jalen Duren’s case is puzzling. He turned 21 in November. He’s 6 foot 10 and weighs 250 pounds. He won’t wow you with his athleticism, but he can get up to throw down lobs.
It just hasn’t clicked for him defensively yet. Per NBA.com, Duren’s best season defensively was his rookie year when he posted a 116.2 defensive rating. Last season it was 117 and this season he’s at 116.6. There are far too many times when Duren is either out of place (usually drop coverage in pick-and-roll situations) or simply not giving enough effort defensively.
With his physical attributes and being young, it’s difficult to write him off and say he won’t develop into a proficient defensive player.
At least for Duren, he’s trending upward defensively as of late. Since returning from a one-game absence with a sprained right wrist, he has a 109.9 defensive rating over the Pistons’ last nine games. If he can continue to lower his defensive rating and it’s translating to wins, signs could be pointing toward Duren becoming a proficient defender.
Good players are getting moved for second-round picks. Do you see the Pistons getting in on this? — Pat N.
This one almost entirely depends on which players are available on the market for second-round picks. Indiana Pacers center Thomas Bryant is the only player this season to be traded outright for a second-round pick, and I’m not sure a player of his caliber would move the needle for the Pistons.
Should the Pistons do anything at the trade deadline except pick up a few assets by facilitating three-way deals? — David M.
I might be in the minority in thinking the Pistons should give their current group this season to figure things out without making any major moves. This is the first season with Bickerstaff and Langdon.
Cade Cunningham is ascending into a young star and seems to be tapping into his potential. And even with Jaden Ivey being re-evaluated in four weeks after breaking the fibula in his left leg, I don’t think Detroit would bring anyone in who would be seen as a long-term replacement as a shooting guard.
Although Tim Hardaway Jr. and Tobias Harris haven’t quite met expectations at the forward positions, the Pistons still have Thompson and rookies Holland and Bobi Klintman.
Hardaway is an unrestricted free agent this summer and Harris is on a two-year deal. Neither are likely long-term options for Detroit at the wing, so I can see the Pistons grooming at least two of the three (Thompson, Holland and Klintman) to play heavy minutes within the next few seasons.
With Isaiah Stewart and Duren being 23 and 21, respectively, they’re both still not in their prime. I would give it this season to see what this team can be, although they are without Ivey.
(Photo of Jalen Duren and Nikola Jokić: Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)
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