2 Tactical Changes Detroit Pistons Should Make Next Season

May 13, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) celebrates in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

2 Tactical Changes Detroit Pistons Should Make Next Season

Originally posted on Detroit Pistons on SI
By Caden Handwork | Last updated Sep 11, 2026 9:22 AM ET

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The Detroit Pistons enter the 2026-27 NBA season in pursuit of their first NBA championship since 2004. After one of their best seasons in recent memory, the Pistons finished at 60-22 overall and secured the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference; Detroit looks to take the next step toward an NBA title.

The Pistons saw their championship dreams cut short by their bitter division rival, the Cleveland Cavaliers, losing in a thrilling seven-game series. After an offseason viewed with mixed feelings from the Pistons faithful, Detroit needs to make tactical changes to win the title. Here’s a look at those two tactical changes as we’re a little over one month out from the Pistons' season opener against the Boston Celtics on Oct. 20 at Little Caesars Arena.

Utilize Three-Point Shooting

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For any NBA team to win a championship, the key is great shooting, especially from beyond the arc. Last season, the Pistons didn’t have that, and it showed, as they were among the worst three-point shooting teams in the NBA.

This offseason, improving their three-point shooting was a major focus on general manager Trajan Langdon’s agenda as he added three players who shot over 40 percent from beyond the arc last season: Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe, Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince, and Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins.

Joe is considered the best three-point shooter that the Pistons added this offseason, as, similar to their best player from beyond the arc, Duncan Robinson, both players excel at the three-point catch-and-shoot, which are qualities they look to bring to the Pistons roster this season.

Throughout the regular season and potentially in the postseason, it’s crucial for the Pistons to improve their three-point shooting, as it’s among the biggest keys to Detroit taking a step forward and reaching the NBA Finals.

Create Floor Spacing For Cade Cunningham

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Floor spacing is another crucial tactical change that the Pistons must adjust as they approach the 2026-27 season. One way the Pistons need to address this is how much time Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson share the court. Last season, when they were on the floor together, especially in the postseason, the Pistons had among the worst offensive efficiency in the NBA.

Having Duren and Thompson on the court at the same time eliminates the Pistons' ability to space the floor, which their star Cade Cunningham needs. Entering his third season as the Pistons' coach, J.B. Bickerstaff looks to get creative with different lineups and rotations.

This article first appeared on Detroit Pistons on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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