NFL
After years of rebuilding and frustration, the Detroit Pistons are suddenly one of the NBA’s most surprising teams, climbing to the top of the Eastern Conference in the early stages of the 2025-26 season behind star guard Cade Cunningham.
Detroit’s resurgence has drawn national attention. The Pistons have stood out in power rankings, sitting ahead of contenders such as the Toronto Raptors as the regular season progresses.
Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft, has been the key figure in Detroit’s turnaround. After enduring a 28-game team losing streak early in his career, he relishes the Pistons’ success and their climb in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Pistons’ recent leap contrasts sharply with their performance in the seasons immediately before. Detroit missed the playoffs for five consecutive seasons before 2024-25 and finished with just 14 wins that year. The 2024-25 campaign marked a breakthrough: a dramatic improvement to a 44-38 record and a return to the postseason, ending a long drought of futility.
Cunningham played a central role in that turnaround. In 2024-25, he averaged 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds, becoming one of the most versatile young stars in the league and one of the youngest players in Pistons history to post such numbers.
In the playoffs, he helped Detroit win its first postseason game in 17 years, a milestone victory that signified progress for a franchise that had struggled for relevance.
This season, Cunningham’s leadership has only grown. He has been repeatedly recognized as an elite young player, landing among ESPN’s 25 Under 25 list with strong averages in points, assists, and rebounds.
Detroit’s success has not been without challenges. The Pistons once saw a 13-game win streak snapped by the Boston Celtics, despite Cunningham’s 42-point outing in that game.
Still, commentary from league analysts suggests Detroit is consistently exceeding expectations and blowing up preseason predictions, establishing itself as a contender in a competitive Eastern Conference.
The Pistons’ collective growth reflects organizational patience and player development. The team’s improvement trajectory, from lottery finishes to playoff contention and now a leadership position in the conference, underscores how far Detroit has come in a relatively short time.
As the regular season unfolds, Detroit’s blend of veteran guidance and youthful energy keeps it in the spotlight. With Cunningham leading the offense and a supporting cast that continues to gel, the Pistons are no longer talking about potential, they are producing results.
