3 keys to the Detroit Pistons becoming contenders

This offseason, the Detroit Pistons have made massive strides in their rebuild. With each transaction, Pistons general manager Troy Weaver continues to build one of the league’s most intriguing and up-and-coming rosters.

Just two seasons ago, the Pistons seemed they were a franchise destined to flounder between the 8-12 seeds of the Eastern Conference. Mired in mediocrity, the Pistons were never good enough to compete for a championship, but never quite bad enough to land a top pick in the NBA draft.

Detroit’s place in purgatory came to an end with the introduction of Weaver as the team’s new GM in the 2020 offseason.

Detroit Pistons: Troy Weaver has rebuilt the roster

Weaver wasted no time overhauling the roster during his inaugural with the Pistons. After one full year under Weaver, 20-year-old Sekou Doumbouya is the only remnant from the previous regime.

As the Pistons enter their second year with Weaver manning the helm, the storied franchise has gone from one stranded in mediocrity, to a team with one of the brightest futures in the league.

With a group of rookies and sophomores comprised of Cade Cunningham, Isaiah Stewart, Saddiq Bey, and Killian Hayes, the Pistons have one of the most intriguing young cores in the NBA. With the team’s young core playing alongside last year’s surprise breakout player in Jerami Grant, many expect the Pistons to become contenders in the playoffs in the coming years.

While Detroit’s future is bright, their rebuild is far from complete.

At best, the Pistons will probably be competing for a spot in the Play-in tournament this upcoming season. There is still plenty for Weaver and Pistons head coach Dwane Casey to do before the Pistons are ready to become a contending team.

From future roster moves to player development, here are three keys to the Pistons becoming contenders in the NBA.