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Pistons’ Surprising Success: Reevaluating Plans and Team Chemistry
Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates his three point shot against the New York Knicks with center Isaiah Stewart (28) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden.
| Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Detroit Pistons are in an unexpected position this season, finding themselves ahead of where even the front office anticipated. As we approach the trade deadline, there’s a buzz about the team potentially reevaluating their plans. Initially, it seemed the Pistons would use their cap space to acquire bad contracts and assets. However, recent reports suggest they might make a more aggressive move to improve the team this year.
Cade Cunningham has been a driving force behind this success, exceeding expectations and potentially making a case for All-NBA consideration. His rapid development has the front office considering maximizing his current performance while keeping an eye on the future.
The injury to Jaden Ivey adds another layer of complexity to the Pistons’ decision-making process. While Ivey’s absence is significant, it may not warrant an overly aggressive move to fill his role. At 22 years old, Ivey had his best season yet, showing improved confidence in his three-point shot and demonstrating potential as a two-way guard.
The team’s current standing is impressive, with a 21-19 record and sitting in the 8th seed. They’re within striking distance of higher seeds, trailing the 6th-seeded Bucks by just half a game and the 4th-seeded Magic by only a game and a half. The Pistons’ recent form has been particularly strong, going 8-2 in their last 10 games.
Looking at the numbers, Detroit’s net rating for the season sits at -0.9, ranking them 18th in the NBA. However, their performance over the last 10 games has been exceptional, boasting the seventh-best net rating in the league during that span.
The team’s success isn’t just reflected in the standings; it’s evident in the locker room atmosphere as well. The young roster, with a median age of just over 24, has created a welcoming environment for new members, including media personnel. The players genuinely care for one another, which has been a significant factor in their on-court success.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pistons’ surprising season, tune into the Locked On Pistons podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pistons Podcast:
• Impact of veteran players on team chemistry
• JB Bickerstaff’s coaching style and player partnerships
Have potential contenders figured out the Celtics?
Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) fouls Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half at TD Garden. | Paul Rutherford/Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
It’s always risky, doubting the Celtics. Not for Celtics fans, but for the rest of us. On Friday night, at home, Boston fans booed their team as they let the Kings take an uncontested rebound and take (then make) the same 3-point attempt. The Celtics lost, recording their 11th of the season. That’s only four games more than this time last year.
Going back, Boston recorded most of their losses last season in the winter stretch leading up to All-Star Weekend, the same stretch they’re in now. I would chalk a lot of those losses up to fatigue and deft competition who could sense the Celtics easing up on the gas, if briefly. The Nuggets, Bucks, Cavaliers and (then) white hot Pacers took advantage of those minor slumps. The losses now, though coming this season within the same stretch with the same fatigue taking a portion of the toll, have to do more with opponents figuring out how the Celtics tick.
This season, the Celtics are a known quality. Their brand of basketball last year overwhelmed the majority of their opponents, teams not built to withstand a barrage of incessant 3-point shooting backed by a quick and smothering defence without a moment to recalibrate or catch their breath. Most teams spent entire games, and all their energy, trying to chase Boston off the line. This season the Celtics have slipped to a 7th overall (from 3rd) defensive rating, and are currently 3rd overall (from 1st) in offence — teams have figured them out.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Trade As the 2025 NBA trade deadline approaches, who’s untouchable on the Pistons? (Bleacher Report)
Stat The Pistons are one of the surprise teams this season. These three stats explain why. (Detroit Free Press, subscription required)
Trades Here’s the latest on the NBA trade deadline and rumblings around the league. (The Athletic)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pistons podcasts.
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