The Detroit Pistons had a “boring” media day compared to some other teams and that is just fine with me.
As some other team’s players were showing off their YouTube medical degrees, the Pistons were actually talking about the upcoming season and this sport called basketball, which was a welcome change to be honest.
For once I am happy to cheer for a boring team that is lacking the drama and conspiracy theories and just wants to talk hoops.
Here were some of my favorite moments from Pistons’ media day and how they relate to the upcoming season.
Detroit Pistons: Isaiah Stewart on how Detroit is building.
“Everything is going to start with defense.” -Isaiah Stewart
The Detroit Pistons’ past success has come with teams that revolve around defense, which is something that gets brought up quite a lot in the Motor City.
But this isn’t all about nostalgia, as defense is still very important, even in this era where everything has been skewed towards offense.
It turns out that being able to defend in an offensive era is even more important. The top 11 teams in defensive rating last season all made the playoffs, including the two teams in the Finals and the eventual champion.
The New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings both snuck into the top half of the offensive rankings but didn’t make the playoffs because they couldn’t get stops. It’s easier to have a good offense these days, so building around defense is the smart move and I’m glad to see the young Detroit Pistons embracing it.
It’s not just some throwback to the Detroit glory days, it’s smart strategically for the modern game.
Detroit Pistons: Dwane Casey on Cade Cunningham
“One thing I know, Cade won’t be a bust… you can guarantee that.” -Dwane Casey
Dwane Casey had plenty to say about Cade Cunningham, conceding that he will go through some “growing pains” but coach Casey has already seen enough to know that Cunningham won’t be a bust.
Far from it, I think Cade has the makeup of a superstar, but what this quote tells me is that Casey has been impressed by what he has witnessed behind the scenes.
We know about the skillset and offensive bag, but Casey has also seen Cunningham’s work ethic, the way he relates to teammates and how he has embraced a leadership role even as a rookie.
Knowing how much Casey appreciates players who put in the work, this is actually high praise because he is not just saying Cunningham is good at basketball, but has the mental makeup to almost guarantee success.
Even watching Cade Cunningham in Summer League was enough to see that he is mature beyond his years and ready to take on the responsibility of being the number one pick and leading a team.
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham and the city of Detroit
“I’m excited to be playing for a city that’s excited for me.” -Cade Cunningham
It’s been a long time since the city of Detroit had a superstar athlete to get behind, so there are plenty of reasons for the city to be excited.
But Cade has a point, as he has reason to be excited too, as he is coming to a city that loves sports but has a clean slate for him to become an icon.
Unlike some sports towns that have had more recent success, Cunningham is coming to a place that is desperate for something to cheer for and if he can provide that, they’ll be building statues of him someday outside of Little Caesar’s Arena.
Cade has the chance to be that guy for a whole generation of new fans who weren’t alive the last time the Pistons were a contender. Other than winning, there is really only one way to win over the city of Detroit and former legend Grant Hill nailed it.
“It’s a city that I think appreciates effort and I think that’s who he is. That’s in his DNA. Come out, lunch pail, work hard and compete every time you’re on the floor.” -Grant Hill
Grant Hill is one of the players Cade Cunningham gets compared to, and Hill also understands what it takes to win over the city of Detroit.
I sometimes get bored of the reductionist view that Detroit is “just” a blue-collar city, but when it comes to sports, it’s true that we appreciate effort and hard work.
That’s why last year’s team was extremely popular among fans even though they only won 20 games. They didn’t win much, but they put in the effort every night and we’ve seen how effort can be the foundation of something special.
I think Cade Cunningham is that guy and will give the kind of effort that all fans appreciate, not just those in Detroit, which will not only endear him to fans but hopefully drag the Pistons out of their spiral of mediocrity.