Three big questions for Pistons as they look to take next step in 2025-26

The Detroit Pistons endured a terrible 2023-24 season as they stumbled to a 14-68 record. The team fired Monty Williams after just one season, and the Pistons bounced back in the 24-25 campaign under J.B. Bickerstaff, posting a 44-38 record and returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2018-19. Bickerstaff helped galvanize the young roster, and suddenly the franchise appears to be heading in the right direction again.

Now they will attempt to take another step toward becoming a genuine threat in the Eastern Conference. Here are three big questions the Pistons must answer to begin the new season.

Will Malik Beasley re-sign? 

Beasley was a significant part of the Pistons' roster last season. His production earned him a runner-up finish in the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year race.

Since then, Beasley's unrestricted free agency has fallen apart. He found himself under federal investigation for alleged involvement in illegal gambling activities. He has since been cleared as a target of that investigation, although he has not been fully exonerated. 

Unfortunately for Beasley, the free agent market has dried up. Therefore, he will likely sign a minimum deal in a bid to hit the market again next season and earn a substantial pay rise. As such, a return to the Pistons looks like the most logical route for him. After all, he's coming off a career year with the franchise and could reprise the same role in a bid to continue impressing. 

Can Cade Cunningham take another leap

Speaking of career years, Cade Cunningham finally announced himself as an elite guard in the NBA. The Pistons spent last summer adding multiple floor-spacers to the roster, thus unlocking additional space for Cunningham to probe and attack.

The result was a first All-Star selection for the Pistons' star guard. He ended the season with averages of 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 9.1 assists while finishing seventh in MVP voting. 

If Cunningham can make some minor improvements to his game, whether it be his ability to generate space, navigate screens or enhance his scoring arsenal, the Pistons will undoubtedly be a tough opponent next season. 

Can Bickerstaff improve the overall offense

The Pistons ranked 10th in the NBA for defensive rating last season — holding opponents to 112.5 points per 100 possessions. However, their offense ranked 14th, as they scored just 114.6 points per 100 possessions.

Slight improvements to the offense could make a huge difference for Detroit. After all, a primary key to success in the NBA is balance. Having a top-10 offense and defense would all but ensure a legitimate postseason run for the Pistons. 

At this stage in Detroit's rebuild, incremental improvements are paramount. And heading into the new season, it's the offensive execution that could benefit from taking a slight jump to ensure the franchise remains on track towards its long-term goal.