Grading the Pistons a quarter of the way through the season

At the end of the first quarter of the 2025-26 season, the Detroit Pistons are sitting atop the NBA’s Eastern Conference standings with a record of 19-5. Cade Cunningham is stating his case as an MVP finalist while head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has pushed all the right buttons so far. 

Here’s a deeper look at the numbers the Pistons are putting up with almost three quarters to go in the season.

Offensively, the Pistons are above average

According to basketball-reference.com, the Pistons are scoring 118.7. points per game, which ranks eighth in the league, and their offensive rating (116.7) ranks ninth. Cunningham (27.5 points per game, 9.3 assists per game) has upped his game from last season and seems unfazed by the attention he is receiving from the media and opposing defenses.

Newcomer Duncan Robinson has been a steady contributor, averaging 12.4 points and shooting 40.2 percent from beyond the arc. Though his numbers have not been spectacular, he has been consistent and has delivered big shots. Center Jalen Duren is averaging 18.8 points and has become a deadly pick-and-roll threat with Cunningham.

Grade: B

The defense has been stellar

They aren't rivaling the Bad Boy Pistons of the 1990s or the Goin’ to Work crew of the early 2000s, but this version of the Pistons is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end of the floor. Their defensive rating (111.3) is tops in the Eastern Conference and fourth in the Association. Power forward Isaiah Stewart is a physical presence down low and an elite rim protector, and forward Ausar Thompson is a stopper on the perimeter. Together, they bolster a defensive unit that is serious about guarding.

Grade: B+

The bench is solid

With the return of the injured Jaden Ivey, the Pistons are 12 deep. Every player off the bench can defend, and all have shown an ability to produce when called upon. Though most have started games due to injuries, below is a list of seven Pistons non-starters with their season highs in points, rebounds, and assists.