It has been over a decade of rebuilding and missed opportunities for the Detroit Pistons. However, over the past few years, the front office has done an excellent job of drafting young talent and surrounding them with key veterans. As the 2022-23 season is underway, the Pistons look to the beginning of their new dynasty with a team that they have built from scratch.
The 2021-22 season was an experiment, to say the least. Head Coach Dwane Casey was orchestrating different lineups looking to figure out who fits and who doesn't. With that being said, the young talents had an opportunity to show their skill set against top-tier NBA teams. The Pistons finished last season with a 23-59 record. While many fans and insiders were not impressed, this was a part of Executive Troy Weaver’s plan to continue to develop his young prospects.
It’s safe to say that the Pistons won the 2022 NBA Draft. Drafting Jaden Ivey alone elevated their team as many anticipate an exciting backcourt of him and Cade Cunningham for this upcoming season. However, the team would make a trade that would bring in veterans Kemba Walker and Nerlens Noel. One of the important parts of the trade was the draft rights to Jalen Duren from the Charlotte Hornets. Duren’s dominant showing at the University of Memphis gives Pistons’ fans optimism about how he’ll fit in with the team. With the great showing Detroit had in the draft, they continue to prepare for the future.
It was a big loss for Detroit to trade away Kelly Olynyk, a player who was a fan favorite in the locker room. However, the Pistons got a steal by bringing in Bojan Bogdanovic from the Utah Jazz. Bogdanovic has had many playoff battles in his career while a sniper from three and a good team defender. One key to creating a dynasty is surrounding players with veterans who have had success in the past. Bogdanovic may not be the vocal leader that other veterans may be, but his example of being a professional on the court will allow his younger teammates to take notes on what it takes to play in the NBA.
Guards
There’s so much to be excited about this season for the Pistons. First, let’s discuss the backcourt. Cade Cunningham gave flashes that he’s an All-Star in the making. His ability to run the offense and make plays at a high level allows him to be one of the more promising prospects.
Cunningham will also have Jaden Ivey right next to him, an explosive wing who took a huge leap in his sophomore season at Purdue. Ivey’s size and skill set will allow him to adjust to the NBA level effectively. Next to Cunningham, he is looked to be the second option on offense for Detroit. The two guards are expected to emerge as elite talents and lead their team to success moving forward.
As far as their second unit, the Pistons are in good hands. They have a key veteran in Corey Joseph who brings championship experience to the young team. A season ago, Joseph averaged eight points on 41 percent from three in 65 games. His ability to be a spot-up shooter alongside dictating the offense will continue to be key this season. Joseph is one of the leading men in the Pistons’ second unit.
Then there’s Killian Hayes, the third-year man from France. It’s been an uphill battle for Hayes so far in his NBA career. He’s dealt with major injuries plus hasn’t produced the way Detroit expected him to. The downside of Hayes on the floor is his lack of offensive production.
Despite Hayes’ being an offensive liability, his terrific playmaking makes up for it. Hayes has the opportunity to be the leader of the second unit who dictates the offense and sets up other guys for success. Coach Casey could also insert Hayes to play alongside the starters whenever Cunningham is on the bench. The key is for the Pistons to not give up on Hayes yet. It has been a struggle for him to find his footing in the NBA. However, this year could allow Hayes to move in a better direction.
Other key backcourt players for the Pistons include Hamidou Diallo, Alec Burks, and many others. Detroit is deep with guards that can provide a lot of offensive production. Coach Casey will have the task of fixing the rotations and deciding who fits with different lineups.
Forwards/Centers
The production doesn’t just stop in the backcourt. The forwards and centers add to the talent on the Pistons’ roster.
First, let’s start with Saddiq Bey, the starter paired next to Cunningham and Ivey. Bey's 51-point performance against the Orlando Magic proved that he can be an elite scorer. While many predicted him to become a three-and-D talent, Bey shows the ability to create and set the tone offensively. Bey averaged 16.1 points on 39 percent shooting a season ago. As his role changes as their third option offensively, a lot of pressure will be taken off him as he will be able to play more fluidly.
Another key talent who is expected to produce at a high level is Marvin Bagley III. Bagley’s time with the Sacramento Kings was not the best experience, to say the least. The former Duke Blue Devil dealt with many injuries that prevented him from reaching his max potential. Luckily, as Bagley was traded last season at the deadline, he was able to join an organization that prioritizes in helping their young talent develop into stars.
Bagley averaged 14.6 points in 18 games with the Pistons last season. This season is crucial for his growth as Detroit is heading in a good direction. If coach Casey decides to make Bagley his starting power forward, that’s a lot of versatility with his ability to put the ball on the floor and score inside the three-point line. A healthy Bagley this season would mean big things for the Pistons in their growth.
At the center, we have Beef Stew (Isaiah Stewart). Stewart has the ability to one day establish himself as one of the best centers in the NBA. In the NBA's modern spacing, Stewart blends in with his ability to space and operate in the post.
Stewart also continues to emerge as a great rim protector, averaging 1.2 blocks in his first two seasons. Stewart is arguably the Pistons’ fourth-best player on their team. As he becomes a compliment to the rest of the starters, he will certainly be awarded offensively because of his efforts on the defensive end.
Other frontcourt talents include Duren, Bogdanovic, Isaiah Livers, and others. A key word to describe the Pistons’ frontcourt is versatility. There are players with size who bring a skillset to the team that can help them elevate in the Eastern Conference.
Conclusion: Expectations for the Detroit Pistons
In hindsight, this will be an interesting season for the Detroit Pistons. While the team is full of young talent, the question is are they ready to make a playoff push? Detroit has a chance of sneaking into the Play-In Tournament despite a very competitive Eastern Conference. This year is a learning experience for the Pistons while next season they’ll be off to the races.
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