Five things Pistons must do to continue ascent

The Detroit Pistons made a splash in the 2024-25 season, jumping from 14 to 44 wins, making the playoffs for the first time since 2018-19 and playing a competitive first-round series versus the New York Knicks. And though they lost the series 4-2, the young Pistons, led by budding superstar Cade Cunningham, put the NBA on alert that good things are brewing in the Motor City. 

The 2025-26 Pistons must improve in five essential areas if they want to continue their ascension. 

Get consistent three-point shooting

The departure of Malik Beasley created a huge void in the Pistons’ offense. Beasley’s 319 makes from downtown in 766 attempts (41.6 percent), were good for second in the Association last season. 

The Pistons signed Duncan Robinson to fill that role. Robinson dropped 190 treys last season for the Miami Heat in 483 attempts (39.3 percent), but there is no guarantee he will be able to match Beasley’s production. If he can’t, Pistons’ GM Trajan Langdon might want to keep Beasley, who remains unsigned amid an NBA gambling investigation, on speed dial.

Find a serviceable backup point guard

With a stellar assist-to-turnover ratio of 4:1, Dennis Schroder sparkled as the Pistons’ backup point guard in 2024. But the accomplished veteran signed with the Sacramento Kings in the offseason. If the Pistons are going to execute down the stretch and win close games, Marcus Sasser, who has been inconsistent, or Chaz Lanier and Daniss Jenkins, who are both unproven, must step up at the point. Or they’ll have to go shopping.

Strengthen their second unit

Last season, the Pistons’ top five reserves were Beasley, Schroder, Tim Hardaway, Jr., Isaiah Stewart and rookie Ron Holland II. While Stewart and Holland have proven to be solid, the first three on that list are gone. That means new arrivals Robinson and Caris LeVert are going to have to score, knock down treys and play sound defense to give the second unit a lift.

Find a way to beat the Bucks

Dating back to April 8, 2022, the Milwaukee Bucks have defeated the Pistons 13 consecutive times. And while there is no shame in losing to a team bolstered by the star power of Giannis Antetokounmpo, an ascending team needs to be confident against every opponent, especially one they might face in a first-round playoff matchup. Losing to one opponent repeatedly is the mark of a bad team. If the Pistons are to continue their rise, getting this monkey off their backs is a necessary step.

Make a decision on their young stars

The final move the Pistons must make revolves around the future of their young stars (Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren) and whether or not to extend them. This move is less about X’s and O’s and more about team confidence. If these are your guys, lock them up. If not, move on and replace them with players who can make an impact now and help the team advance in the postseason.