NBA Notes: Pistons, roster, Rockets, Bulls, coaching search

Pistons

The Pistons took a major step forward this season, even if the ending left a sour taste after a disappointing playoff exit against the Cavaliers.

Detroit spent much of the year near the top of the Eastern Conference standings behind the continued growth of Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson. The trio helped establish one of the league’s tougher defenses and gave the organization confidence that its young core is capable of contending long term.

Now comes the next challenge for president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon — figuring out how to complement that core.

Detroit’s lack of perimeter shooting became a bigger issue in the postseason as opposing defenses crowded the paint, limiting Duren’s impact inside while making life tougher on Cunningham offensively.

“We’ll take a holistic view of the roster,” Langdon said during his end-of-season press conference. “We’ll figure out what we need to add, and we’ll step out, we’ll look at the 35,000 feet and we won’t look at us as the one seed. We’ll look at us as how do we get better?”

That likely means adding more shooting and spacing around the franchise’s foundational pieces.

Langdon also acknowledged the Pistons explored several deals before last season’s trade deadline, though some potential moves simply became too costly from an asset standpoint. Detroit ultimately completed a smaller three-team deal instead.

The front office also has important contract decisions ahead. Langdon has already indicated the organization wants to keep Duren long term, while veterans Tobias Harris and Kevin Huerter are headed toward free agency.

Detroit clearly believes its championship window is opening. The focus now shifts toward building the right supporting cast around a young nucleus that took a significant leap this season.

Rockets

For the Rockets, not everyone is convinced a major offseason shakeup is necessary.

Houston’s postseason ended in frustrating fashion, but injuries played a significant role, including one to its top player right as the playoffs began. From that perspective, there’s an argument the Rockets may simply have run into bad timing more than anything else.

That’s part of why a recently proposed trade idea involving Kevin Durant for Jamal Murray hasn’t generated much enthusiasm in some circles.

The fit is questionable for multiple reasons.

Houston already expects continued growth from Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard, while Fred VanVleet is also set to return. Adding Murray to that mix could create an awkward logjam in the backcourt.

Meanwhile, Durant’s scoring and late-game shot creation were vital for Houston throughout much of the season. Replacing that production would be far from simple.

There’s also the financial side. Murray’s contract continues escalating through 2029, and Houston would likely need additional salary to make a trade structure work financially.

At least for now, the smarter path for the Rockets may simply be trusting the current core and allowing the young roster to continue developing rather than forcing a blockbuster move for the sake of making one.

Bulls

The Bulls continue searching for their next head coach, and new executive vice president Bryson Graham made it pretty clear during his introductory press conference that he isn’t necessarily looking for the safest or most obvious choice.

Speaking with longtime Bulls reporter Sam Smith, Graham emphasized that Chicago’s focus will be on finding the best basketball mind possible, regardless of name recognition or traditional expectations.

“We want the right guy,” Graham said. “Let’s find the most competent and most talented people.”

One intriguing name floated as a possible fit by Roundtable’s Jordan Gilty is Dan Hurley of UConn, even though Hurley hasn’t been heavily connected publicly to the Bulls’ opening.

Hurley has built a reputation as one of college basketball’s most intense and demanding coaches, helping turn UConn back into a national powerhouse through aggressive recruiting, player development and an ultra-competitive culture.

Naturally, there are questions about whether Hurley’s fiery sideline style would translate to the NBA, where managing veteran professionals can be far different from coaching college players.

But supporters around the game continue to point toward his attention to detail, accountability and ability to maximize talent.

Hurley addressed that relentless approach during a 2024 interview with Graham Bensinger, saying he believes coaching should be approached with complete obsession and urgency rather than long-term preservation.

Whether Hurley ultimately emerges as a serious candidate remains to be seen. But based on Graham’s comments, it’s clear the Bulls may be willing to think creatively as they reshape the organization moving forward.