Ku Khahil here, the host of the daily Locked On Pistons podcast, with your daily Locked On Pistons newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Pistons and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Cade Cunningham’s Stellar Season: A Deep Dive into the Pistons’ Resurgence
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) greets teammate Tim Hardaway Jr. (8) during pregame warmups before their game against the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena.
| Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The Detroit Pistons are experiencing a remarkable turnaround this season, surpassing even the most optimistic expectations. As we approach the midway point of the NBA calendar, the team’s performance has been nothing short of spectacular, with their win total already flirting with last year’s Vegas over/under of 24.5 games.
What’s driving this unexpected success? At the heart of it, all is Cade Cunningham, the former number-one overall pick who’s taken a significant leap in his development. Cunningham’s growth isn’t just about statistics; it’s about his leadership and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
One of the most impressive aspects of Cunningham’s game is his basketball IQ. He possesses an innate ability to read the flow of the game and adjust his play accordingly. Whether it’s taking over scoring duties in crucial moments or facilitating for his teammates, Cunningham seems to always make the right decision.
This season has also showcased Cunningham’s clutch gene. In recent games against formidable opponents like the New York Knicks, he’s demonstrated the ability to elevate his game when it matters most. His second-half performances, in particular, have been nothing short of spectacular, often turning close contests into Pistons victories.
The Impact of New Leadership
The Pistons’ resurgence isn’t solely due to Cunningham’s brilliance. The arrival of head coach JB Bickerstaff and general manager Trajan Langdon has breathed new life into the organization. Their approach emphasizes team-first basketball and a return to the gritty, defensive-minded style that once defined Detroit basketball.
Bickerstaff’s coaching style has been particularly impactful. His ability to command respect and attention from players without resorting to raised voices or theatrics is a testament to his leadership skills. The team’s buy-in to his system and philosophy has been evident from the very first practice sessions.
The front office, led by Langdon, has also made shrewd moves to complement the young core. Veterans like Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Tobias Harris have provided valuable experience and production, perfectly balancing the roster’s youthful energy.
As the Pistons continue to climb the Eastern Conference standings, the excitement in Detroit is palpable. The team’s success is not just about wins and losses; it’s about rekindling the passion of a fanbase that has endured years of rebuilding.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pistons’ resurgence, tune into the Locked On Pistons podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pistons Podcast:
• Johnny Kane’s favorite moments covering the Pistons over the past decade
• The unique sports atmosphere in downtown Detroit
• Cade Cunningham’s All-Star and potential All-NBA candidacy
Jan 4, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) greets Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) before a game at Frost Bank Center. | Scott Wachter/Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
I only get to write this column once per week, so while we’re still technically a game or two short of the halfway marker for most teams, I’m here with some second-quarter awards anyway!
These are honors for the second quarter and second quarter only; they aren’t predictive. Word count limitations mean I have no margin for a longer introduction. You get it.
Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
When it comes to analyzing defense, it isn’t fair to lump wings and guards with bigs; it’s like comparing a sports car to a heavy-duty pickup truck when you can only buy one vehicle. Instead, I split Defensive Player of the Quarter into interior and perimeter editions.
My Interior Defensive Player of the Quarter won’t shock: it’s Victor Wembanyama. I could throw a bunch of advanced analytics at you to prove the case, but instead, I’d ask that you join me in prayer: Holy mother of basketballs, protect your children from the harm Wembanyama inflicts upon them.
Ok, fine, here’s one fun, if basic, number. In the season’s second quarter, Wemby had an outrageous 69 blocks. That’s 30 more than second-place Myles Turner, despite the fact that Turner played in three more games. Let’s not waste time here.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Rumor The Detroit Pistons are positioned as potential buyers ahead of the NBA trade deadline, with Cade Cunningham rumored to be a key piece in potential deals.
Analysis The Detroit Pistons’ dream target for the 2025 trade deadline is a star player like Jaylen Brown, while a realistic option might be a solid role player to boost their roster. Discover the potential targets. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Pistons host the Pacers tonight at 7:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Nick Richards Traded to Phoenix Suns: Fantasy Basketball Impact and Analysis
Jan 12, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns have acquired center Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets in a trade that sent shockwaves through the NBA. While not a blockbuster deal, this move has significant implications for fantasy basketball managers.
In exchange for Richards, the Hornets received Josh Okogie and three second-round picks, while the Suns also got a second-round pick in return. At first glance, it might seem like the Suns got a steal, but let’s take a closer look at what this means for Richards’ fantasy value.
Richards has been averaging 21 minutes per game this season, putting up 9 points and 7.5 rebounds with 1.2 blocks. These numbers have him ranked 205th in category leagues, which is far from impressive. However, the change of scenery could potentially boost his value.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pistons podcasts.
Detroit Pistons Success Forcing POBO Trajan Langdon To Re-Evaluate Immediate Plan Can the Detroit Pistons maintain their surprising momentum in the NBA? With unexpected success this season, the Pistons are turning heads, and fans are buzzing about their potential playoff run. This episode dives into the Detroit Pistons’ impressive performance, exploring potential trade strategies and the impact of key players like Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris. Discover how veteran players have stepped up in Jaden Ivey’s absence, and why Cunningham is being touted as a future All-Star.
Cade Cunningham’s All-NBA Potential for Detroit Pistons After Defeating New York Knicks Cade Cunningham dazzles as the Detroit Pistons secure a thrilling victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. With Cunningham’s All-NBA level performance, the Pistons are making waves in the basketball world. Can this momentum propel them into a deep playoff run?
Explore how Isaiah Stewart’s defensive prowess and Malik Beasley’s shooting brilliance reshaped the Pistons’ strategy.
Detroit Pistons’ Trade Deadline: Will Cade Cunningham Influence Moves? Can the Detroit Pistons make a splash at the trade deadline? With Cade Cunningham’s standout performances and the team’s unexpected success, the Pistons are poised for strategic moves that could reshape their season. This episode features insights from Hunter Patterson, a beat writer for The Athletic, who shares insider perspectives on the Pistons’ locker room dynamics and the impact of head coach JB Bickerstaff’s unique approach. Discover how the young roster, including players like Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson, is evolving under Bickerstaff’s leadership.
