Going back to the 2024 season, nobody would have thought that the Pistons would be at the point they are. You may ask, however, what point are they at? Currently, the Pistons have won more games this season than the past two seasons combined, and this season isn’t even over. The Pistons went from being a horrible team that had no future to being the hottest team out.
How did they do this though? Well to start at the beginning of the 2024 season, on July 11th to be specific, the Pistons acquired small forward Malik Beasley in a signing. Reportedly, Malik was tired of being just a complementary piece and wanted to be a leader, as he stated, “I chose Detroit because I wanted to go through the grit and grind and show that I could be a veteran and a leader. I think with the last couple of teams, as I’ve bounced around the league, I haven’t really been able to show leadership being on a team with LeBron and different guys. Here, I’m able to bring my playoff experience and everything I’ve been through in my life. I feel like I can bring different aspects to this team.” This mindset alone shows how much of a change and impact Malik Beasley could give the Pistons, and which he did. Throughout the season, he has averaged 16.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists according to ESPN. While these stats may seem “mid” he is known for his clutch three-point shooting, currently holding the Pistons three-point season record.
The next reason why these Pistons have had so much success so recently is because of Cade Cunnigham’s all-star season. While Cade has always been a fundamental player for the Pistons, this season has been like no other. With averaging 25.3 points, 9.4 assists, and 6.1 rebounds, he leads the team and is a team captain. Cunningham states; “Whenever I’m on the court every night, I feel like I’m the best player,” Cunningham said. “I try to do whatever it takes to help my team win, and my teammates have made me look great this year. I’m just trying to help my team win, and we’ll see what happens with it.” Once again, showing how he can lead his team while they also help him improve. There is so much one can speak about him; however, there is one more addition that is critical to the Pistons’ success.
The last part of the puzzle is the 2nd year player, Ausar Thompson. Drafted in the 2023 draft at the 5th pick, Asuar has been on a crazy rookie season. Averaging 9.8 points, 4.9 Rebounds, and 2.4 assists, this rookie has been boosting the team up the rankings. Standing at 6’6, 205 lbs, he is a fundamental forward who shows how dominant he is on the court. Just like his fellow teammates, he is a confident player stating, “I think I’m the best perimeter defender in the league. That’s what I believe. I don’t think I’m a near and finished product, though. I think I can get over screens better. I think I can be locked in at all times better. I want to be NBA Defensive Player of the Year.”
With these three players leading the team, the future is looking very bright as they have won 9 out of the last 10 games, as of March 5th. Along with that, the bench is stacked, and the team chemistry is the highest it’s ever been.
