Grant Hill makes bold prediction for 2025-26 Pistons season

Grant Hill sees a promising future for the Pistons

Hill believes that the Pistons’ success can be extended further than just one season. The former Detroit first-round selection took time to analyze the landscape of the Eastern Conference heading into next season.

“With the injuries, the roster changing in Boston, and then certainly a really talented Pacers team. But also the injury to Haliburton. There was a window there. New York’s there,” Hill explained. “I think Detroit has an opportunity to take a step as well and be one of the better teams next season in the Eastern Conference.”

The Pistons have slowly built and developed their foundation over the past several seasons. The TNT analyst elaborated on the positive additions that aided Detroit’s breakout season.

“J.B. Bickerstaff, the job that he did, Trajan Langdon the general manager, some of the free agents they brought in last summer and then the young players, Cade Cunningham establishing himself as an All Star,” says Hill. “It’s just a remarkable season. They took a big step last year. I think they have a chance to take another step.”

The start of that change began when Detroit drafted their franchise point guard Cade Cunningham — a player who has received numerous comparisons to Hill since the 2021 NBA Draft. Cunningham continues to blossom as one of the most promising talents in the entire league.

He proved many doubters wrong, putting up career-high numbers averaging 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds during his fourth year with Detroit. That production stayed afloat during the playoffs, averaging 25 points, 8.7 assists, and 8.1 rebounds during the six-game series against the Knicks.

The Pistons are looking to build on last season’s success, especially with the open window in the Eastern Conference. Detroit’s front office faced a tough offseason, losing shooters Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley. Their agenda pivoted to acquiring veterans Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson as free agents.

The Pistons will also have shooting guard Jaden Ivey and backup center Isaiah Stewart returning healthy. Both players were unavailable during the playoffs due to lingering injuries. Adding them back to their core could give them a legitimate chance to compete for the top of the East.