Are the Detroit Pistons “going to be great next year?”

Detroit Pistons: The young core

One thing that Bojan Bogdanovic said is certain, and that’s the fact that they really missed Cade Cunningham this season. He’s the engine that makes the offense go, their best player, and everyone else had to slide into different roles when he went out with injury.

Getting him back will be a big boost, and the idea that he could be playing on a leg that is 100 percent for the first time since high school should have fans excited.

But what about the rest of this “great group of young guys?” I think most would agree that the Detroit Pistons have two potential stars in Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren. Both have flashed signs of it this season and are likely to make the All-Rookie team.

Beyond that you have a lot of question marks. Saddiq Bey has regressed, continues to be inconsistent and it’s become clear that he can’t defend small forwards full time. His shooting has improved of late, and hopefully the return of Cunningham will push him back to more of a catch-and-shoot role as a stretch four who shoots a high volume and percentage from long range.

Killian Hayes has been two steps forward one step back this season, as he has improved, but his numbers off the bench are less than encouraging and that’s the role he’s likely to play in the future.

Isaiah Stewart showed signs of being a quality stretch four himself, but has been moved around in the rotation, most recently playing as the center off the bench, which has been less than ideal.

Not only are these three not sure things, they are all extension eligible in the offseason, so the Detroit Pistons will have to decide who to pay, for how long and how much. Make the wrong choice here and it could set the franchise back.

All three have the chance to be quality role players, so let’s hope the Pistons pay them accordingly, as bad contracts could hamper their vision of greatness.