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Pistons Forward Has Message After Mavericks Win NBA Draft Lottery

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zachary Rainey | Last updated May 13, 2025 7:37 PM ET

The Detroit Pistons enjoyed one of their best seasons in the last twenty years despite losing to the New York Knicks in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

Their one-year turnaround is one of the more impressive in NBA history.

After finishing last in the Eastern Conference, the Pistons improved by 30 wins and made the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

Pistons forward sends message after NBA Draft Lottery

The turnaround wouldn't have been possible without Cade Cunningham.

Cunningham was a finalist for the Most Improved Player award, but didn't get the nod.

In 2021, the Pistons won the NBA Draft Lottery after a 20-52 record and took Cunningham No. 1 overall in that year's draft.

After the Dallas Mavericks defied the odds and won the lottery with just a 1.8% chance, Pistons forward Tobias Harris delivered a message.

"This goes to show why faith and always believing are so important folks," his post on X read.

This goes to show why faith and always believing are so important folks
— τobias Harris (@tobias31) May 12, 2025

With Dallas now in the driver's seat at No. 1, it's assumed they'll use the pick to take Duke's Cooper Flagg.

Harris was an integral part of the Pistons' starting lineup this season.

He averaged 13.7 points per game, 5.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

Perhaps most importantly, he was a veteran on an otherwise young team.

Harris signed a two-year deal worth $52 million after a max contract with the Philadelphia 76ers expired.

While the Pistons will likely be busy this summer trying ti improve upon the season they had, Pistons fans are rejoicing in the fact that they're not at the top of the draft board like they have been in recent years.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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