As a young team that receives minimal to no national exposure, the Detroit Pistons have an opportunity on their hands.
The Pistons arrived in France to prepare for the NBA’s 2023 Paris Game where they will take on the Chicago Bulls this Thursday, Jan. 19 at Accor Arena. The game will be broadcast on NBA TV, as well as the local Bally Sports Detroit, for a 3 p.m. ET tip-off.
It has been a lackluster season for the Pistons where the only benefit that can be taken is some individual development, as well as a shot at another high lottery pick once this summer’s NBA Draft rolls around.
Being able to play on a global stage is nothing to bat an eye at, however. The Pistons had a similar opportunity previously, when they traveled to Mexico City to take on the Dallas Mavericks in 2019. Detroit dropped that game, but were able to compete in front of a budding market with fans that don’t get to witness NBA games in person often, if ever.
Paris provides a similar setting. Those in attendance will be able to become Detroit or Chicago fans for a few hours. Maybe even a week, or potentially longer.
It’s no secret that the NBA is trying to expand it’s global presence, but how do these games help the organizations that do compete overseas? And specifically, for this year’s Pistons squad, how can they benefit from the Paris Game?
Detroit Pistons in Paris: A larger than usual stage
During the current restoring phase, the Pistons league-wide exposure has been minimal. They were bumped from their only game scheduled to be nationally televised this season. Meaning, for most basketball fans, the only chance to watch the Detroit Pistons this year would be on NBA League Pass.
Being selected for the NBA’s Paris Game gives the young group an opportunity to be seen by a wider audience.
This may matter to some players, and not so much to others, but it allows for the team to show what they can do in front of people who wouldn’t have watched them otherwise. The increased viewership and new crowd could give the team a little extra juice.
I’m sure not many French citizens are keeping up with the ins-and-outs of Pistons basketball. But, some basketball fans in France may be looking for an NBA team to root for, and who better than the team playing in your country from a city with French origins?
Not to mention, the same team happens to have a point guard who grew up in France, and will be treating the Paris Game as a bit of a homecoming.
Detroit Pistons in Paris: The chance to develop as a team
Another positive of the Paris experience is the Pistons getting time to practice, play, and bond in a completely new place.
The team has a handful of days prior to the game to participate in experiences, practice, and I’m sure just be a normal tourist. Going across the world as a team will undoubtedly bring forth memorable moments that the young group can look back on for years to come.
Cade Cunningham recently rejoined the team after undergoing shin surgery, and is along for the ride on the Paris trip. For Cunningham, this provides a unique and full-fledged way to get back around the team, ensuring that no time has been lost since he was away for surgery and recovery. While injured, if his only impact that’s public on a nightly basis is being a supporter on the bench, I’m sure that there is also a strong presence behind the scenes helping grow the organization.
The face of the franchise has to be champing at the bit as he gears up to return to the court next year.
A week long trip focused on basketball and spending time with your teammates sounds like it can be a building block, especially for a franchise with a predominantly young core.
Detroit Pistons in Paris: Showing out near Wembanyama’s home
Generational, and clear cut no. 1, prospect in the upcoming NBA Draft Victor Wembanyama may have a chance to watch a future team play in his home country.
The French born Wembanyama is currently spending his pre-draft time with Metropolitans 92 in France’s professional league. Mets 92 is located in the Paris area, so I wouldn’t be shocked if Wembanyama made a cameo at various events surrounding the Paris Game, and potentially attending the game itself.
For the Pistons, I doubt that the organization would outwardly woo Wembanyama while in France. But, playing their best basketball and sneaking out a win couldn’t hurt.
At the time of writing, the Pistons own the third-worst record in the league, which would give them the best odds to win the NBA Draft Lottery and this year’s ultimate prize, Wembanyama.
This far into the season, Wembanyama knows that landing in Detroit would be a real possibility for the beginning of his NBA career. He can take a long look at the franchise that could be drafting him while they’re in his backyard.
I’m sure that the Pistons will have their finest suit pressed, just in case Wembanyama is watching. It looks like the team may have been lurking already.
Pistons first practice in Paris is where Wemby plays pic.twitter.com/21yvxb8aiv
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) January 17, 2023
For a young team, the chance to build chemistry away from home is huge, so this game is about more than trying to get a win over the Bulls.
It will be interesting to see what effect this trip has when the Detroit Pistons return home to the Motor City.